Moscow - Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the president of the Russian republic of Ingushetia, was severely injured Monday in a suspected suicide bomber attack, reported the Interfax news agency.

At least three bodyguards were killed in the attack and several were wounded, reported Interfax, citing investigators.

A spokesman from Yevkurov's office said the president had been in surgery and was no longer in life-threatening danger.

The attack on the presidential convoy is believed to be the work of a suicide bomber. Tensions have been rising in the area as Islamist rebels have become more bold in fighting local powers. Their attacks have claimed a former vice premier and the deputy chairwoman of the supreme court since the start of June.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has promised a campaign against such terrorist attacks. To that end, the Russian government has planned military anti-terror manoeuvres with about 8,500 troops and 650 tanks in the region for the end of June. (dpa)