Algiers: Algerian security forces have killed 10 Islamist rebels in an ambush, state radio reported on Sunday.
The security forces, acting on a tip off, ambushed the insurgents on Saturday in the region of M'sila, 400 km (250 miles) east of Algiers, the radio report said. It said that a "large quantity" of weapons had been seized during the operation.
Insurgents operating under the name al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb carry out sporadic bombings and kidnappings in Algeria, though the level of violence has subsided dramatically in the past few years.
Officials say that they have killed or captured hundreds of the insurgents while many others have been persuaded to lay down their arms, leaving only a small hardcore of active fighters.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 21:14