At least three Georgian commandos and eleven militants have been killed during an operation to free hostages held along Georgia's border with Russia, authorities said Wednesday. Georgia's Deputy Interior Minister Nodar Kharshiladze told The Associated Press that the militants freed the hostages, but that they then opened fire on security forces after being asked to surrender. Kharshiladze confirmed the death tolls. Several militants also were wounded, Georgian TV station Imedi reported. The hostages were believed to be civilians.