Algerian forces, backed by helicopters, kill 8 al-Qaida insurgents in mountainous area
By APSunday, August 29, 2010
Algerian forces kill 8 al-Qaida insurgents
ALGIERS, Algeria — Algerian forces have killed eight al-Qaida insurgents in an attack in a mountainous area considered a bastion for the terror network’s North African branch.
A leader of the Patriots, armed civilians working with the army, says one soldier died during the clashes in the Berrekmouche valley, 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Algiers. The Patriot spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to comment about the operation.
He says the killings occurred Saturday and the sweep, which began with helicopter bombardments, continued Sunday.
The area in the mountainous Kabyle region is considered a haven for al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. Residents of Beni-Yenni village alerted authorities after insurgents sought food there.
