Russian police say twin explosions in the Republic of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus region, killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 30 others late Thursday.

Authorities say the first blast involved a car, which exploded as police approached it at a check point in Makhachkala, Dagestan's capital. The second explosion occurred as emergency responders arrived on the scene of the initial blast. The explosions ignited fires, which damaged several other vehicles.

Police have been targets of similar attacks in Dagestan by Islamist insurgents.