Algerian forces kill 150 rebels

Moslem rebels killed 13 people in a hamlet in Algeria as Algerian troops wound up a massive operation in which up to 150 rebels, trapped in a mountainous hideout, died, a national newspaper said on July 27.

The newspaper reported that at least two members of the government forces were also killed.

The civilians were massacred by militant's raid on Sidi Salem village in Medea province, 70 km militants south of Algiers, on Friday night.

It was the latest slaughter in the past five days in which at least 85 other people had been killed, most by having their throats cut and others by being burnt alive.

When the rebels left Sidi Salem, 13 other residents lay wounded, including seven in a serious condition. Three of the dead were women.

Hundreds of people have been slaughtered in night raids on isolated villages some lying less than 40 km from the capital. Neither their age or sex saved their lives.

The dead in the past week, in south of Algiers, and in neighboring Bou Smail area, included 20 children, according to the Algerian reports.

Al Akhbar newspaper, quoting a member of the government sorces, said about 60 rebels surrendered and more than 120 militants were killed on the fourth day of the offensive which began July 14.

"From here one terrorist was able to kill two of our men and wound a third in the third day of the attack," said Al Akhbar, quoting the government force member who was pointing to an eight meter long ditch used by the besieged rebels.

The military operation began when a kidnapped woman escaped her rebel abductors and tipped off the authorities about the rebel hideout, a major base which had been heavily fortified.

Troops brought in bulldozers and bomb disposal experts to clear mines and traps in the rugged area to enable the advance to go ahead, the newspaper said.