Algiers – Algerian soldiers killed three Islamists on Wednesday during a military operation in the region of Tizi Ouzou, east of the capital, the defence ministry said.

Two Kalashnikov assault rifles, a pump-action shotgun and ammunition were seized during the operation north of the city of Azzazga, said the ministry.

Five Islamists have been killed since the operation was launched on Sunday.

Islamist-linked violence rocked Algeria in the 1990s, but has since waned, although armed groups remain active in central and eastern Algeria where they mount attacks on security forces.