Algiers - Two Algerian soldiers were killed and two more were wounded in an exchange of gunfire with a group of presumed Islamist terrorists, the Algerian daily El Watan reported Tuesday.

The skirmish occurred early Monday near the town of Trachta, about 115 kilometres west of the capital Algiers, as units of the Algerian army surrounded a group of armed men in a secluded mountainous area.

Algerian security forces have carried out several sweeps in the region, which is believed to serve as a base for several terrorist groups. (dpa)