Algiers, Oct 7 (IANS): Algerian army has arrested 20 foreign traffickers near its border with Niger.

"As part of the fight against trafficking and organised crime, the army ambushed a group of foreign criminals in the locality of Tiririne, near the border with Niger. Twenty of them were arrested, including 12 from Sudan and eight from Chad," Algerian defence ministry said in a statement.

Last week, Algerian troops killed five foreigners near the border with Niger, while four were injured, Xinhua reported.

Two of their vehicles were destroyed during the operation.

In addition to countering terrorism, the Algerian army deployed on the southern borderline are engaged also in a fight against trafficking.

In 2013, Algeria closed its borders with Mali and Niger, following security reports warning of infiltration of militants into its territory.

Thousands of troops have been deployed along Algeria's southern borderline to thwart potential attacks of armed groups based in Mali and Niger.