Algerian security forces killed Friday three suspected Islamist militants, the Interior Ministry said. The three were shot to death in the center of the city of M'sila, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of the capital, Algiers, the ministry said in a statement. Three pistols and four grenades were found on the suspects. The operation "shows the security forces' determination to fight against these criminals," the statement said. Friday's incident come less than two days after nine suspected militants were killed in separate sweeps by security forces in the regions of Ain Defla, 145 kilometers (90 miles) west of Algiers, and Skikda, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) east of the capital.