Algerian Army Kills 5 'Criminals' near Niger Border

The Algerian army has killed five foreign "criminals" near the border with Niger, the defense ministry said on Friday.

"In an ambush by elements of the People's National Army in the Tirrine area, near the Algeria-Niger border, five criminals were shot dead and four others wounded, including one of Libyan nationality," it said in a statement.

The army said two 4x4 vehicles were destroyed in the incident late Thursday but did not elaborate on the illegal activity of those killed.

The border region between the two countries is used by smugglers but also by armed Islamist groups.

Algeria is hunting 15 suspects in the kidnapping and beheading of French tourist Herve Gourdel by Islamists last month.

In January 2013, Islamic militants seized a huge natural gas complex at Tiguentourine in southeast Algeria. Around 40 foreign hostages were killed in a four-day siege and army rescue operation.