Fifty militants Feb. 6 attacked an Algerian military barracks in Khenchela, 470 kilometers (292 miles) east of Algiers, and abducted two civilians, Algerie-focus.com reported Feb. 7, citing the El Khabar newspaper. Clashes between militants and troops lasted at least three hours, and military aircraft and helicopters were later dispatched to attack the backtracking militants. Two militants were killed and six injured, according to the original report.