At least seven militants were killed by Russian special forces during a weekend firefight in the volatile North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee said Saturday.

One soldier was killed and two others were wounded as they exchanged gun fire with militants in a forest near Utamysh late Friday.

Two of the two dead militants have been identified, the NAC said, adding that both were leaders of local groups and on the federal wanted list.

There were no casualties among civilians and the special operation was still underway, the NAC said.

Clashes between militants and government forces are common in Russia's North Caucasus, especially in the Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia republics.