27/09 17h17- ALGIERS (AFP)
Algerian troops have killed five militants in a large operation against hideouts used by Al-Qaeda’s regional franchise east of the capital, residents and security officials said Tuesday.
Elite units backed by gunships started sweeping the Chouicha forest near Boumerdes, only 60 kilometres (40 miles) east of Algiers, late last week to root out suspected members of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Four suspected AQIM fighters were killed Tuesday, according to residents who said the operation was ongoing.
There was no official confirmation of the military operation.
The El Watan newspaper said on its website that another fighter was killed late Monday as he attempted to flee from an area surrounded by Algerian forces.
Boumerdes and the neighbouring regions of Tizi Ouzou and Bouira — where groups affiliated to AQIM are active — are those most affected by a recent surge in violence.
