Moscow, 23 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Several people were killed as the Russian security authorities resolved a hostage-taking incident at a high-security prison in the Volgograd region, the National Guard reported on Friday.

The four hostage-takers were killed by snipers, and the wardens held as hostages were freed in the incident in the city of Surovikino in the Volgograd region, they said.

According to the prison authority, three hostages also died in the incident.

Four individuals, three wardens and a prisoner, were injured by the hostage-takers but managed to escape.

"Two of those injured are in critical condition," said the head of the regional health authority, Anatoli Sebelyev.

The men sustained stab and cut wounds in the altercation with the hostage-takers.

The incident occurred during a meeting of the disciplinary commission of the high-security prison, though it remains unclear how the inmates obtained stabbing weapons and overpowered the wardens.

According to Kremlin-affiliated Telegram channels, the hostage-takers could have connections to the terrorist group Islamic State.

One of the attackers said in a video that his actions were out of revenge and claimed to be avenging the torture of suspects in connection with the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall convention centre in Moscow.

Over 100 people were killed in the attack in Moscow in March. The suspects were apprehended and were later brought before the court, showing indications that they had been tortured.

The prosecutor's office initiated criminal proceedings on the grounds of the hostage-taking. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the hostage situation.

MIA file photo