Algiers  - Three guards working on a foreign construction project in Algeria have been killed by suspected Islamic terrorists, local media reported on Thursday.

The three brothers were traveling in their car near the eastern port city of Jijel when they were confronted by a group of armed men, who shot the victims before slitting their throats.

The incident occurred late Wednesday, on the eve of elections that are expected to return President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to office for an unprecedented third five-year term.

Dozens of people have died in terrorist-related violence in the weeks preceding the vote. (dpa)