Algerian army kills four armed militants near southeastern border

Algeria’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that army security forces killed four armed militants during an operation near the country’s southeastern border.

In a statement, the ministry said the four militants, armed with Kalashnikov rifles, were killed Saturday morning as they attempted to cross into Algerian territory. The group, it added, had been active in terrorist organizations outside the country — an apparent reference to the border area with Libya.

The ministry identified the men as Mouad Amrani, Houssam Bousbaa, Bachir Maamar Ghdir and Okba Bedghio.