Algerian army fights al-Qaida in mountains

ALGIERS, Algeria, June 3 (UPI) -- The Algerian Army has kept up its fight against al-Qaida in what officers say is a move to prevent the terrorist organization from settling in the mountains.

The army has deployed helicopters and tanks in an operation against al-Qaida in the Boudekhan mountains in eastern Algeria, mainly in the Khenchla and Tebessa provinces. Med Basin Newsline reported Tuesday.

"The operation is meant to clean out the terrorist presence in the mountains," a security officer said.

At least two soldiers died in the offensive, officials said.

The army has stormed suspected al-Qaida hideouts in the Islamic Maghreb strongholds in the Boudekhan and Tamalous mountains, Med Basin Newsline said. Algerian officials learned al-Qaida and other foreign elements were planning an offensive during the summer.