Algiers, Dec 23 (IANS/EFE): The Algerian army Tuesday killed Kuri Abdel Malek, leader of the Jund al-Khilafa (Soldiers of the Caliphate), which is aligned with the Islamic State (IS) radical group, media reported Tuesday.

Citing police sources, the Algerian television network Nahar TV said that Kuri was killed by soldiers in Sidi Daoud, some 50 miles from Algeria's capital Algiers.

The defence ministry released a statement saying that a military operation had resulted in the deaths of "three members of a dangerous terrorist group".

The statement did not mention Kuri's name, as the ministry said that the identification process was not yet complete.

The terrorists were riding a vehicle in which Kalashnikov rifles, an explosive belt, large amounts of ammunition and several cell phones were found.

Kuri, 36, was one of the most wanted terrorists in Algeria, along with his former chief Abdel Malek Drukdel, who is still allegedly loyal to Al Qaeda and leads the organisation's affiliate in North Africa.

Jund al-Khilafa claimed responsibility in September for kidnapping and beheading French citizen Herve Gourdel.

Gourdel's execution was an act of revenge for France's participation in the US-led international coalition fighting against the IS in Iraq.