Algerian troops are conducting a mine clearing operation in the aftermath of the final raid against an armed group in southern Illizi province, local APS news agency reported citing a security source.

The operation took place in a gas field facility of Tiguentourine in In Amenas in Illizi province, as militants had put mines in the facility attempting to blow it up.

The final raid by Algerian troops ended Saturday, killing 11 militants. Seven hostages were killed by their captors on Saturday, the source said without specifying their nationalities.

Since Thursday, Algeria's Special Forces launched successive raids on the gas field compound to rescue the workers detained since Wednesday by an armed group linked to al-Qaida.

At least 573 Algerians and 100 foreign hostages were freed during the operation, according to preliminary figures. Endi

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