Algerian forces kill 70 terrorists

Algerian forces killed 70 in an operation that began last week south of Algiers. La Tribune paper said yesterday that 21 of the terrorists killed were members of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), regarded as the most ruthless faction of Islamist rebels.

They were killed in Kafr Lefkir, near Cherea mountainous area which lies just south of Bilida, some 30 miles from the Algerian capital.

The paper added also they were part of a GIA group which was pinpointed last Thursday, Friday during an operation which started Wednesday night at Tala Asha, near Kafr Lafkir.

49 of the group were killed by last Thursday night and the operation continued it said, Al Akhbar newspaper said today.