Local imam shot dead in Russia

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MOSCOW: A local imam of northern Russian mosque has been gunned down by unidentified man in an area known for simmering Islamist insurgency.

Magomed Khidirov, 34, was imam in the village of Kurush in the region of Dagestan bordering Chechnya, was shot dead at 4 am (0100 GMT) by two men as he headed to morning prayers, Russian investigators said.

The armed men were wearing masks who targeted the imam with a pistol, said the Investigative Committee.

Khidirov died on the spot while his assailants fled.

Khidirov was known for preaching moderate traditional Islam, particularly to the region’s youth, and also ran an online television channel.