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| Africa: North |
| More on the latest GSPC massacre |
| 2004-10-24 |
| Suspected Algerian Islamic militants killed 16 people in the first attack on civilians since the start of the holy month of Ramadan, officials said on Saturday. The victims, mostly young people, were shot dead, burned or had their throats cut at a rebel roadblock on Friday evening near the city of Medea, some 45 miles south of Algiers, a civil defense officer told Reuters. Local residents also said 13 people were reported missing and feared they had been kidnapped by the rebels as they made their way to pay a visit to their farm lands. "I called my friend to find out if he had been caught in the attack. Someone else answered the phone and told me 'come retrieve your dogs'," a local resident, who asked not to be named, told Reuters. A vast military operation was under way to track down the suspected rebels. The victims were being buried on Saturday. Authorities declined to comment, although official radio confirmed 16 people had been killed. Algerian Islamic rebels have usually intensified their attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began eight days ago, in the belief it brings them closer to God. The Armed Islamic Group (GIA), famous for cutting the throats of civilian victims, still has a few dozen active members, although it is no longer seen as a threat, experts say. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |