Russian Mayor Killed In Caucasus On His Way To Work

November 26, 2008 8:37 a.m. EST

Moscow, Russia (AHN) - The mayor of Russia's North Ossetia region was shot while leaving his home Wednesday morning, the Interior Ministry of the Caucasus republic said.

Mayor Vitaly Karayev, of the North Ossetia republic capital Vladikavkaz, later died in the hospital.

North Ossetian President Taimuraz Mamsurov said authorities are still trying to determine the motive in the killing of Karayev.

Mamsurov told the official Itar-Tass news agency he does not have any clue why Karayev was killed, saying the mayor was new to his position.

Karayev took office as mayor of the capital for less than a year.

There has been a resurgence of violence in North Ossetia and the rest of the Caucasus region over the past years.