Algerian Army Kills Seven Islamic Extremists

Attack is part of a wider offensive against Al Qaeda

(Reuters) - The Algerian army killed seven Islamist militants in their stronghold east of Algiers, the defense ministry said on Wednesday, as government forces stepped up operations against suspected al Qaeda-linked fighters.

It was the largest government offensive against militants since an audacious assault on a desert gas plant in January in which 37 foreigners died.