Algerian military kills 8 Islamic extremists

ALGIERS, Algeria – Algeria's Defense Ministry say military forces have killed eight Islamic militants in the east of the country.

The ministry said in a statement that the extremists were shot Friday during a military counterterrorism operation in Chechar, 520 kilometers (325 miles) east of the capital, Algiers.

The ministry said that the militants were considered "dangerous terrorists." Several weapons were found, including two machine guns.

It was the first major military operation of the year in Algeria. Extremist groups are still active in the country. There were several attacks against police forces last year.