Algerian forces besiege 50 gunmen

The Algerian daily al-Aseel said that Algerian army forces are besieging some 50 gunmen from the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) during a mopping-up operation carried out in the area located between Sedi Omar and Sedi Bu Baker towns in Saeeda province, using heavy weapons and helicopters.

The paper indicated that the security forces killed last week 15 gunmen in the same region. The gunmen included "Mohamed al-Tawi", the prince of al-Naser (victory) contingent and Amin Hadad.

Algerian governmental sources said that Hadad and Talhi were killed with three of their followers, among them two women, during an attack launched by security forces on their hiding place in a house in Fokao city. The attack took place after hours of negotiations and after the Islamists refused to surrender.

A gun, two pistols, Defense Ministry identification cards and documents with the names of leaders of the outlawed Islamic Salvation Front, were found, the sources said.

The sources added that after the killing of the two leaders, seven persons were killed by a terrorist group on Tuesday in Yetzy village 300 km southwest of the capital. Security forces launched a campaign to search for those who carried out the killings.