Algerian troops retrieve weapons, explosives in eastern province

Algerian army troops retrieved a load of weapons and explosive devices in an operation conducted in the eastern province of Jijel, APS reported citing a statement of the Defense Ministry issued Friday.

The operation was part of anti-terrorism fight, the source said, adding that the troops discovered terrorists' hideout and two explosion workshops, and retrieved two handmade bombs and two handmade missile launchers.

The troops retrieved rifles, a grenade, anti-personnel handmade mines, TNT and gunpowder explosives and chemical liquids for manufacturing explosives, in addition to three generators.

The Algerian troops are conducting a wide scale dragging operation in the upper woods of Jijel. Two days ago, a senior leader of an armed group linked to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and his assistant were killed there.

Two Kalashnikov machine guns, a defensive grenade, six magazines and other items were retrieved.

So far, 5 militants were killed since the operation has been launched a week ago. Endit