The Algerian security forces say at least 14 people were killed and 24 injured when a bomb went off in the town of Khemis Miliana south-west of Algiers.

Although the security forces did not blame anyone for the explosion, the Algerian government and press accuse militant Islamic groups of perpetrating all such attacks.

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The bomb explosion comes as a reminder that political violence in Algeria, although much reduced in comparison to previous years, is far from over. The latest attack follows a pattern established in the past seven years of conflict.

The victims were randomly targetted and the timing and location were chosen with the intention of causing maximum damage.

After a period of relative calm, recent weeks have witnessed an escalation of violence in the region west of Algiers.

The bomb attack brings to around 40 the number of people killed in the last four days.

This violence comes during a period of political uncertainty following the sudden announcement in September by President Liamine Zeroual that he was cutting short his term in office and organising elections for a successor next April.

So far, no candidates have emerged, but it is expected that the next president will be the nominee of one or another faction in the army, which is the real holder of power in Algeria.

Disputes within the army are believed to be the main reason behind Mr Zeroual's decision to leave office.

They are also thought to be a factor in both the continuation of the violence and the failure of the state to develop a coherent policy to deal with the thousands of disenchanted youths who have drifted to the armed groups in recent years.