| Description |
Algerian forces killed three militants just east of Algiers in a counter-insurgency sweep, raising the total slain over the past two days to 25. The army continued its sweeps and killed three others who had escaped the initial attack and fled south through the rugged terrain. Algeria has been battling the local branch of al-Qaida for years but most of their operations have been restricted to attacks on security forces in the rugged central mountains. Security sources said that the leader oj Jund Al Khilafa, Bachir Kherza (also known as Abou Abdellah Al Assimi), was among the 25 militants killed by the army on 19 and 20 May in Bouira. |
