Medvedev fires Ingushetia head after blast

MOSCOW, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev fired Ingush Interior Minister Ruslan Meiriyev Monday after a suicide attack in Nazran killed at least 20 people.

The attack on the police headquarters in Ingushetia's largest city was believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber ramming a car into the headquarters' gates, RIA Novosti reported.

"I believe this (attack) was not only a result of problems connected to terrorist activities, but also a result of the unsatisfactory performance of the republic's law enforcement agencies," Medvedev said.

The attack could have been prevented, Medvedev said as he ordered an investigation into the work of the police.

"The vehicle used in the attack had been listed as stolen," Medvedev said. "Police had been warned about an attack being planned. This is totally unacceptable."

RIA Novosti said at least 138 people, including 10 children, were injured in the explosion. The blast damaged the police building, cars in the vicinity and nearby blocks of apartment buildings.

Ingushetia's deputy interior minister said police knew of the planned attack.

"Information on a planned terrorist attack using a yellow Gazelle (automobile) came to light on Saturday," Zyaudin Daurbekov said. "Efforts had been made to track the vehicle."