A gas pipeline in northern Algeria was attacked by gunman on 27 January, according to news reports in the north African state.

The pipeline was attacked at Ain Chikh, which is 120 kilometres southwest of Algiers. Two security guards were killed by gunmen during the exchange.

The assailants fled into the nearby Kabylie mountain region, which is now being searched by Algerian security forces.

The incident comes after the siege of the In Amenas gas field ended with the deaths of at least 48 hostages and 32 terrorists.