CAIRO Ñ Algeria's offensive against Islamic
insurgents is being called the largest since 1997.
Algerian security sources reported that the offensive has resulted in
the
deaths of scores of insurgents over the last two weeks. On Friday, the
security sources reported 27 people were killed.
On Sept. 14, U.S. President George Bush relayed a message that thanked Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika for his effective role in combatting terrorism. Bush relayed deep gratitude to the Algerian president and people for their contribution to the international campaign to eradicate terrorism, Middle East Newsline reported.
The target of the offensive is the Salafist Brigade for Combat and Call.
Security sources said at least four senior insurgents were captured in the
military campaign conducted over the last two weeks
The sources said an "emir" or insurgency leader and his aide were killed
in
the military offensive in the state of Anaba in eastern Algeria. They said
the unidentified leader was part of a squad that operated near the Moroccan
border.
Algerian troops also operated in the province of Muasker in the west.
The sources said an five members of an insurgency squad were killed.
