Algiers, May 20 (IANS): Algerian military said on Tuesday it killed 22 militants in what it deemed the most important anti-terror operation in 20 years in the northern province of Bouira, Xinhua reported citing media reports.

Army troops surrounded 30 militants affiliated to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), killing 22 of them, a security source said, adding that the rest are still under manhunt, according to the TSA news website.

Automatic weapons, ammunition and other weaponry were seized in the operation, said the report.

Meanwhile, Ennahar TV quoted an army officer as saying that the targeted terrorist group was holding a meeting to plot attacks, noting that it is the most important anti-terrorism operation in the region for the past 20 years.

Despite significant improvement of security situation in Algeria, the government said a few militants affiliated to AQIM and recently established Islamic State affiliate group of Caliphate Soldiers are still taking refuge in the woods of central provinces of Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou and Bouira, which are close to the capital city of Algiers.