Algerian government forces killed 14 al Qaeda fighters and destroyed a number of hideouts in mountains east of Algiers, newspapers reported on Sunday. Four men, including a leading member of al Qaeda's north Africa wing, were killed by the army last week in El Oued province, 700 km southeast of Algiers, El Khabar and Echorouk said, citing security sources.
The military, backed by helicopters, also killed 10 gunmen and destroyed several al Qaeda hideouts in a separate operation during the same week in Boumerdes province, about 50 km east of Algiers, El Khabar added.
Four troops were hurt in the Boumerdes operation, which is still going on against more gunmen in surrounding mountains areas, the Arabic-language daily added.
