ALGIERS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Algerian army killed six terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation on Tuesday in Tebessa province, about 700 km east of Algiers, the Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday.
The operation, conducted in the country's Fifth Military Region, also led to the seizure of six Kalashnikov rifles, according to the ministry's statement.
During a visit to the region, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, Said Chanegriha, praised the operation as a "heroic act" and conveyed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's congratulations to the troops.
He called for continued efforts to protect "the security of the nation and its citizens" and to combat the remnants of terrorism "with determination, pride, and devotion to this sacred duty."
The Algerian army frequently conducts sweep operations in the mountains and forests of northern Algeria, long a stronghold of armed groups that posed a major security threat during the 1990s. ■