Global Arab Network | Al-Qaeda kills 23 policemen in Algeria

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Al-Qaeda kills 23 policemen in Algeria

Edited by George Haddad

Thursday, 18 June 2009 12:57

Algerian armed rebels, related to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, killed at least 23 policemen in the province of Burg Buaririg.

The police convoy was attached by the rebels on a highway in the province of Burj Buaririj, some 180 km east of the capital, local press reported.

The rebels first detonated two self-made explosive devices and then opened fire on the convoy, said the reports, adding that six cars were burned and the militants took away with them arms.

The injured have been sent to a nearby hospital, said the Echourouk newspapers.

The Algerian government forces and security forces, using helicopters, immediately started to track down the militants and search the region, said the reports.

Echourouk, reported that the rebels set off two roadside bombs and then opened fire on the gendarmes, killing them and then stealing their weapons and uniforms.

The ambush was not immediately confirmed by the Algerian authorities but a vast security operation has been launched in region.

The attack was said to have taken place on the road from Constantine to Annaba, two major cities in eastern Algeria.

The Chinese group CITIC-CRCC has a contract to build a section of motorway from Algiers to Bordj Bou Arreridj.

If confirmed the attack would be one of the biggest by Islamists in Algeria for several months

The security situation in Algeria has improved in recent years, but terrorist attacks still plague the North African country.
(Xinhua, AFP, NYTimes,)

Global Arab Network