A group of Chechen fighters has seized hostages in the neighbouring Russian republic of Dagestan, officials say. At least four hostages were taken after a gunfight at the frontier which left nine Russian border guards dead, say local authorities. “Our people are trying to make contact with them to find out what they want,” a regional official told Russian TV. Russia’s current war in Chechnya began after fighters seized two villages in Dagestan in August 1999. Full Story