Thirteen Soldiers, Six Islamists Killed In Algerian Clash
ALGIERS, Feb 17 (News Agencies) - Thirteen soldiers and six Islamists were killed in a clash near Sidi Bel Abbes, 440 kilometers (275 miles) southwest of Algiers, several press reports said Saturday.
The clash occurred late on Thursday when about 100 Islamists from the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) intercepted soldiers combing a nearby wooded area, the daily Liberte reported.
The heavily armed group had reportedly fled a few days ago from the Chelf and Relizane regions west of Algiers, where the army had launched underground operations against them, the papers said.
It was the second clash in three days in the area. Twelve Islamists and two soldiers died on Tuesday near Sidi Bel Abbes.
Since the beginning of the year, some 330 people have been killed in Algeria, according to media and witness reports.
