MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. A gunman who plotted a terror attack has been killed by the law enforcement personnel in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) told TASS on Wednesday.

"A counterterrorism operation has been carried out in Ingushetia, during which a gunman who had been plotting a terror attack was neutralized," the NAC reported.

According to the anti-terror agency, at night the Russian Federal Security Service was tipped off that a gunman allegedly plotting a terror attack had been hiding in a house in the republic’s Malgobeksky District.

A decision was made to carry out a counterterrorism operation, which was launched at 4.30am Moscow Time (01.30 GMT). "The gunman, who had been hiding in a house, was offered to lay down arms and surrender to the authorities. In response, he opened fire at the law enforcement personnel, and was neutralized during the clash," the NAC said.

A ready-for-use self-made explosive device, weapons and ammunition were found at the clash scene, it stated.

The militant has been identified. According to the NAC, he used to recruit residents of the republic with the goal of setting up a terror cell. "He had planned on carrying out a terror attack and later going to the Syrian Arab Republic to take part in the international terror organization’s activity," it added.

Neither law enforcement personnel nor civilians were injured during the clash. A search effort is underway.