ALGIERS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Algerian counterterrorism troops on Thursday killed two armed militants in the southernmost province of Tamenrasset, near the border with Mali, said Algerian Defense Ministry in a statement.
"As part of the fight against terrorism and following a patrol carried out near the province of Tamanrasset, army troops shot down two terrorists in the afternoon of Thursday," said the source.
Two FMPK machine guns, a large amount of ammunition and a four-wheel drive vehicle were retrieved during the operation, specified the source.
"This new operation, which is added to the series of positive results obtained on the ground by the National People's Army forces, shows permanent vigilance and availability of the troops throughout the Algerian territory to thwart any attempt aiming at undermining the security and stability of the country," concluded the statement.
Located in a region plagued by unprecedented security and political instability, Algeria faces ongoing terrorist threats.
A few militants affiliated to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and recently established IS affiliate groups are still taking refuge in the dense woods in the north, and remote desert areas near the troubled Libya and Mali. Enditem
