Algerian military has a group of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) members under siege, sources said. At least 50 armed men are reportedly present in the mountainous area of Khenchel and Tebessa, east of Algeria. Algerian Chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Kaid Saleh launched the operation to terminate the remnants of Droudkel’s organisation in the area. The army began the siege on Saturday and stationed about 1000 soldiers in al-Maa al-Abyad and Um al-Kamayen, north of Tebessa as well as Boudkhan and Seya, south of Khenchel. Some soldiers were injured after mine explosions and the severity of the injuries were “varied”, sources said.