Algerian fake roadblock deaths

Algerian fake roadblock deaths

By Mohamed Arezki Himeur
BBC, Algiers

A violent clash in Algeria, reported to have been the work of an armed Islamic group, has claimed the lives of nine civilians.

The war shows no sign of ending

The attack took place on Wednesday evening, some 30 km southwest of Algiers, rupturing the fragile calm of the last few weeks.

The nine civilians killed were attacked at a false roadblock, erected by a group on the road to Douar, in the Blida region.

The attack has been attributed by the Algerian security forces to the GIA, led by Rachid Abou Tourab, which is very active in the region.

Similar attack

On the 25 February, 12 people were killed at a similar roadblock erected by an armed Islamic group in the region of Tipaza, 80 km west of Algiers.

More than 100,000 have died in Algeria's civil war

The group which lay in wait on both sides of the road opened fire on several vehicles passing by.

That massacre was also attributed to the GIA, a group considered to be one of the more radical armed Islamic movements, which in the past has mostly targeted civilians.

Since the beginning of the year, violence linked to armed Islamic groups has been responsible for the deaths of almost 300 people, mostly civilians and members of the security forces.

The conflict in Algeria has claimed at least 100,000 lives in the past 10 years, according to the authorities, with others saying the toll is nearer 160,000.