Repentance
11-04-07, 14:31
Explosions rock Algerian capital
At least 17 people have been killed after at least two blasts rocked Algeria's capital - one exploding near the prime minister's office.
Nine people died and at least 32 were injured in a car bombing outside the government buildings.
Another explosion hit a police station in the east, near the airport, killing eight people and wounding at least 50.
Unharmed by the blast, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem called the attacks a "cowardly and criminal act".
No group has yet admitted carrying out the attacks.
'Cowardice and betrayal'
Violent attacks have been increasing in Algeria since the main Islamist rebel group, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), changed its name to the al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb in January.
The city centre explosion was so loud it could be heard up to 10km (six miles) away, residents said.
Government employees were injured by flying glass and debris, which spread up to 300m from the site of the blasts.
Ambulances went to the scene and police blocked entry to the prime minister's office, which also houses the offices of the interior minister.
The police station attack happened in the eastern suburb of Bab Ezzouar.
Speaking on Algerian radio, Mr Belkhadem denounced the bombings, which come as the government is working towards national reconciliation.
"This is a crime, a cowardly act. It can only be described as cowardice and betrayal," Mr Belkhadem said.
In February, GSPC carried out a series of bomb attacks on police stations.
Last August, Algeria offered Islamist militants a six-month amnesty on condition of surrender.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6544437.stm
At least 17 people have been killed after at least two blasts rocked Algeria's capital - one exploding near the prime minister's office.
Nine people died and at least 32 were injured in a car bombing outside the government buildings.
Another explosion hit a police station in the east, near the airport, killing eight people and wounding at least 50.
Unharmed by the blast, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem called the attacks a "cowardly and criminal act".
No group has yet admitted carrying out the attacks.
'Cowardice and betrayal'
Violent attacks have been increasing in Algeria since the main Islamist rebel group, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), changed its name to the al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb in January.
The city centre explosion was so loud it could be heard up to 10km (six miles) away, residents said.
Government employees were injured by flying glass and debris, which spread up to 300m from the site of the blasts.
Ambulances went to the scene and police blocked entry to the prime minister's office, which also houses the offices of the interior minister.
The police station attack happened in the eastern suburb of Bab Ezzouar.
Speaking on Algerian radio, Mr Belkhadem denounced the bombings, which come as the government is working towards national reconciliation.
"This is a crime, a cowardly act. It can only be described as cowardice and betrayal," Mr Belkhadem said.
In February, GSPC carried out a series of bomb attacks on police stations.
Last August, Algeria offered Islamist militants a six-month amnesty on condition of surrender.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6544437.stm