Four militants die as violence flares in Russia

Russia: Four militants have died in two separate gun battles in Russia's volatile North Caucasus, while bombs went off in both the capital of a third region and under a gas pipeline.

The incidents in Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia come amid questions over the Kremlin's ability to control the mainly Muslim area.

China: Police have launched a manhunt for four inmates who killed a guard and escaped from a prison.

The four fled Hohhot's No. 2 Prison in a stolen taxi on Saturday.