Russian police have killed three militants who were suspected of plotting church attacks for Russian Orthodox Christmas services in the North Caucasus, local police said Monday.

In Baksan District of the southern republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, law enforcement officers exchanged fires with unidentified militants during a special operation Sunday night, the police said.

The suspects opened fire at police when their vehicle was stopped for identity check, and all the three gunmen in the car were killed.

During the operation, an assault rifle, a pistol, ammunition and three improvised explosive devices were seized, the police added.

The police believed that those militants were preparing terrorist attacks in churches of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Stavropol Territory during Christmas divine services.

Russian Orthodox believers celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 in line with the Julian calendar. Believers flocked to churches across the country on Monday to attend services.

President Vladimir Putin also attended Christmas service at a convent near the Black Sea resort of Sochi, local media reported.