(MOS NEWS) Turkish police have captured 12 armed Chechen militants in Istanbul just days before President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive there on a state visit.

Two women were among the 12 insurgents, Agence France Presse reported, citing a source in the Turkish police force.

The militants were carrying weapons and compact disks, which police confiscated.

Moscow has repeatedly criticized Ankara for failing to do anything about Chechen separatists sheltering in Turkey, and the Turkish citizens that aid them.

Putin is scheduled to arrive in Ankara on Sunday for an official visit.

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