afrol News, 16 February - At least eight Algerian soldiers were reported dead in two different attacks by Islamic militants yesterday, a local newspaper has reported.

Rebels are reported to blown up in a bomb attack, as a military truck passed through Stah Aftis village near the border town of Tebessa, 700 km east of Algiers, killing five soldiers and wounding four, while in a separate attack, three soldiers were also reported shot dead by Islamic militants at a checkpoint in Bordj Menail in Boumerdes region just east of the capital.

Local reports said soldiers who were off duty traveling by bus were shot soon after identifying themselves as soldiers to rebels who were dressed in army uniform at the check point.

Late last week, two roadside bombs killed seven people near Algeria's border with Tunisia. The Al Qaeda north wing has claimed responsibility for a string of bombings and attacks in the country.

Meanwhile, Algerian daily newspaper Ennahar has reported that Security forces in Algeria have reportedly killed a senior member of Al Qaeda in north Africa yesterday, following a tip off from a former fighter.

Mr Mourad Bouzid, 65, who was hiding in the town of Issers, 55 km east of the capital Algiers is said to have been responsible for recruiting and motivating younger Al Qaeda fighters in Algeria and other north African states.

The newspaper said Mr Bouzid was tracked down using information from Ali Ben Touati, another top Al Qaeda figure who surrendered in late January to take advantage of a government amnesty offered to rebels who disarm.

The Al Qaeda north Africa wing has waged attacks in Algeria since the 1990s and killed an estimated 150,000 people. The violence has largely subsided after the government offered successive amnesties to encourage rebels to disarm.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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