ALGIERS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Algerian security forces killed three terrorists and arrested as many in operations in the north, local el-Khabar newspaper reported Saturday.

According to the paper, two terrorists were killed and another was arrested on Thursday night in an ambush by government troops in Azeffoun district, Tizi Ouzou province. The report did not give further details on the operation.

Security forces also killed a terrorist in Dellys, Boumerdes province, and arrested two others during a combing operation in the city, local sources told the paper.

Algeria has faced an increasing threat by Islamist militants since the 1990s. The security forces have recently launched massive military operations against pro-al-Qaida groups, including al-Qaida in Islamic Maghreb.