ALGIERS — Algerian authorities say four armed Islamic extremists have been killed in a shootout with soldiers southeast of the capital.
A security service statement Saturday says the fighting occurred overnight in Sour El Ghozlane, 120 kilometers (70 miles) from Algiers.
The four were in a car heading south when soldiers stopped them and the shooting began, the statement said.
Algeria's army has been fighting extremists for two decades, but tensions recently have been concentrated much farther south, in the desert close to the Libyan border.
Al-Qaida's North African arm, AQIM, is based in Algeria.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From World
World
Ukrainian duo heads to the Eurovision Song Contest with a message: We're still here
Even amid war, Ukraine finds time for the glittery, pop-filled Eurovision Song Contest. Perhaps now even more than ever.
World
India begins second phase of national elections with Modi's BJP as front-runner
Millions of Indians began voting Friday in the second round of multi-phase national elections as polarization grows with Prime Minister Narendra Modi whipping up an assertive brand of Hindu nationalist politics in his campaign.
Business
Stock market today: Asian benchmarks mostly climb despite worries about US economy
Asian shares mostly rose Friday despite worries about the economic outlook and inflation in the U.S. and the rest of the world.
World
US-China talks start with warnings about misunderstandings and miscalculations
The United States and China butted heads over a number of contentious bilateral, regional and global issues as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Friday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and both men warned of the dangers of misunderstandings and miscalculations.
World
Guatemalan prosecutors raid offices of Save the Children charity
Guatemalan prosecutors raided the offices of the charity Save the Children on Thursday, citing a complaint alleging the violation of migrant children's rights.