From correspondents in Middle East, 01:30 AM IST

Algerian soldiers Sunday killed 10 suspected terrorists in a security swoop on an area 250 km southwest of the capital here, officials and witnesses said.

The incident took place in Ain Defla province, according to a statement by the interior ministry. The soldiers seized several weapons, including several Kalashnikov and semi-automatic rifles, the statement said.

Soldiers launched an operation in nearby mountainous areas last week, locals said.

Twelve people were killed Wednesday in two car bombings in Algeria. The North African wing of the Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)