In Algeria, the number of people killed in an attack by suspected Islamist militants in a village west of the capital has risen to nineteen.

An official at the local hospital at Ain Defla said those killed had their throats cut - another three people were injured.

The bodies of the victims - eleven children, three women and five men - had been taken to the hospital.

Correspondents say the attack is the most serious since the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan ten days ago -- normally a period during which attacks by Algerian militants are stepped up.