The Algerian army, boosting attacks on al Qaeda-aligned armed groups, killed 15 activists and captured seven in the past two days near the Tunisian border, local newspapers reported on Saturday. They also seized large quantities of ammunition and destroyed several hideouts in the operation in Tebessa province, 630 km east of the capital Algiers, the government-owned El Moudjahid said, citing a security source.
One army officer died in the raid, which was carried out by a combined force of the army, police and municipal guards, based on tips provided by a militant who had surrendered, the independent newspaper Liberte conveyed.
This group may have had links to a failed assassination attempt on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in September, said the independent daily El Watan.
According to Reuters, 75 people were killed in political violence last month including 60 in suicide blasts.
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