ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — An Algerian police commander says Islamic militants have ambushed an Algerian army convoy in a forest west of Algiers, killing 11 soldiers.

The commander said Saturday the attack took place Friday in Ain Defla province, 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Algiers, the capital. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the military had yet to issue an official statement. The attack was also reported in the local press.

The attack comes as Algeria and much of the rest of the Muslim world are celebrating the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, one of the main holidays of the year.

Algeria, home of al-Qaida's North African branch, has long fought an insurgency of Islamic radicals who hide out in the country's rugged forests and mountains.