Algiers - Two soldiers and seven presumed Islamic terrorists have died in Algeria as the wave of violence continued in the run-up to April 9 general elections, local media reported on Wednesday.

The two soldiers were killed when a homemade bomb exploded under the lorry on which they were riding late Monday in the southern region city of M'ziraa, the daily Liberte reported.

Seven alleged terrorists died in skirmishes with Algerian troops near Boumerdes, some 50 kilometres east of the capital Algiers, in a clean-up operation begun on Friday and which was continuing.

In addition, a group of armed men attacked a police station in the town of Ouacifs, near Tizi Ouzou, in eastern Algeria, late Tuesday just as President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is running for an unprecedented third term, was preparing to visit the area on a campaign stop.

More than 35 people have died in violence that appears connected to the upcoming elections. (dpa)