Algerian troops killed at least 10 suspected Islamist militants in a raid on a gang accused of shooting dead 13 customs officials, newspapers reported on Sunday. The soldiers, backed by air power, also seized 60 AK-47 rifles, 10 rocket launchers and a significant quantity of ammunition in the attack on Saturday in the north African country's southern desert, they reported.| A good part of the increased effectiveness of Algeria's troops against the GSPC comes from us. Only a couple years ago the Algerians were chasing these guys using shoe leather express. |
The army offensive is still going on in the region, where security forces have intercepted convoys carrying weapons from neighbouring Mali and Niger, El Watan newspaper, usually well-informed on security matters, reported security sources as saying. Some 18 fighters of the GSPC are surrounded by the government forces, Liberte daily said. Friday's ambush was the worst attack since the government last month started implementing an amnesty aimed at bringing peace following years of violence that cost the lives of 200,000 people. The peace move gives rebels still fighting six months to surrender provided they were not involved in massacres, rapes and bombings of public places. Some 800 rebels are still active, the authorities said. But several militants have surrendered in the past days, according to media reports.