Algerian army kills 26

Reports from Algeria say at least fifteen Islamic guerrillas have been killed in the past few days in an army operation against Islamic strongholds near the Moroccan border.

La Tribune newspaper said helicopters were used in the attack in the Beni Snous hills near Tlemcen on Saturday.

Correspondents say the Algerian media has reported several times that armed Islamic groups are taking refuge on the Moroccan side of the border, which is closed.

Other newspaper reports said five Islamic militants were killed in M'Sila, southeast of Algiers, four in Bouira, also to the southeast of the capital, and two in Khemis Miliana, southwest of Algiers.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service