Algerian forces intensify operation in Bouira

Algerian military helicopters have continued the bombardment of 'al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb' (AQIM) strongholds, towards the east of Bouira. The attacks on Tamelaht forest, near al-Ajiba, come after armed clashes in which a senior military officer was killed, and another soldier suffered serious injures. An AQIM militant was also killed. Sources said that an Algerian Special Forces unit is conducting the operation on a terrorist group hiding in the forest, and confirmed that elements of the army are advancing into the forest with the use of heavy weapons such as "artillery and helicopters." On Friday, security forces killed a gunman belonging to AQIM, in the area of Dar Bonnie, in the Boumerdes region. A security source said that the militant was killed in an ambush, and police forces seized a Kalashnikov rifle from the deceased.