MOSCOW, February 6 (RIA Novosti) - Up to 440 militants are active in the Russian troubled North Caucasus republic of Chechnya, a deputy interior minister told a ministerial meeting on Wednesday.

"We estimate the number of bandits active in the Chechen Republic at up to 440," Arkady Yedelev said.

"Over 700 members of illegal armed units and their accomplices have been detained and are now under investigation," he added.

He also said a number of international terrorists are coordinating operations in Chechnya.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, who also attended the meeting, said in conclusion: "Economic and social issues in the region must be resolved, we have to fight unemployment, and redouble the struggle against terrorism."

"We have to strip the scumbags [militants] of any local support, we must do this, we are on the right track, all the processes have been launched," he said.