Russian authorities say five people were killed in a gunfight in the North Caucus republic of Dagestan late Wednesday.

The Itar Tass new agency quotes a source as saying gunmen in a wooded area fired on a convoy of servicemen, near the village of Serebryakovka.

A gun battle ensued, leaving two civilians, a serviceman and two suspected militants dead and at least six civilians wounded.

Authorities are investigating who is responsible for the attack.