Algerian soldiers surrounded several Islamic militants, possibly including the leader of al-Qaeda's North African wing, in a mountainous region east of the country's capital, Reuters reported, citing local media.
| Is that 'surrounded' Saoodi style? |
Abdelmalek Droudkel, leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, may be among the rebels besieged by troops for more than a week in the Kabylie region, the news agency said. As many as 10,000 soldiers, backed by helicopters, are taking part in the operation, according to the report. The Kabylie region is the main base for the organization, which changed its name from the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat in January last year, Reuters said.
The group has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including twin suicide bombings that targeted United Nations offices and a court building in Algiers in December, killing 41 people, 17 of them UN workers, according to the report. The Maghreb is the Arabic name for the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. |