Algerian army forces have reinforced Khenchela positions Islamist militants attacked an Algerian army barracks on Wednesday, in a large-scale assault that continued into the early hours of Thursday morning. The heavily armed Islamists fired on soldiers’ quarters with rocket-propelled grenades, but Algerian army forces repelled the attack. Two gunmen were killed in the operation, while six Algerian soldiers were injured.
The attack, which took place at a military position in Khenchela in eastern Algeria, involved around 50 militants believed to belong to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb [AQIM].
Official sources told Arabstoday the army repelled the assault with field artillery and aircraft.
Some have claimed the attack planned to kidnap civilians, after a lorry was used to initially break into the premises supported by heavy fire from the rear.
Army and militant forces exchanged fire for at least three hours, during which time warplanes, helicopter gunships and field artillery were called in for additional support.
The militants fled after two members were killed.
Sources have reported the suspected al-Qaeda fighters using weapons from Libya. The militants reportedly included Tunisians and Libyans, while one deceased’s nationality remains unconfirmed, though it is expected he was a Maghreb national.