Algerian troops have been deployed in strategic areas across the country in preparation for what the government calls a merciless campaign against islamic rebels who reject an offer of amnesty.

Those who haven't been involved in killings or rape are being offered the opportunity to return to normal life if they turn themselves in by midnight tonight.

Thousands of troops were seen disembarking from transport aircraft in Algiers and artillery and helicopter gunships were reported to be on the move in mountains east of the capital.

The partial amnesty is seen as a centrepiece of President Bouteflika's efforts to end eight years of conflict in which about a hundred-thousand people have lost their lives.

The group blamed for most civilian killings, the GIA, has rejected the government's overtures. Another group, the Islamic Salvation Front, dissolved its military wing on Tuesday after a blanket amnesty was announced for its members.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service