The Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia lies in the northwest of Russia's troubled North Caucasus region.

BBC: Karachay-Cherkessia profile

Attackers have shot dead an imam and two of his male relations, as they drove to a mosque in the Russian North Caucasus region of Dagestan.

BBC: Russia Caucasus: Imam shot dead in Derbent, Dagestan

Dagestan is one of seven small republics within the Russian Federation that together comprise Russia's North Caucasus region, a predominantly Muslim area which itself is wedged between the Caspian and Black Seas.

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Although it has not experienced the levels of violence seen elsewhere in the North Caucasus, the republic lives in the shadow of the troubles which have plagued the region.

BBC: Karachay-Cherkessia profile