Algeria hit by surge in guerrilla violence

[Al-khiyal]

The Popular National Army yesterday eliminated a terrorist in Dra Elmizane (Tizi Ouzou), and recovered his Kalachnikov and a home-made bomb. A soldier was killed and 17 others injured, some of them were taken to Draa Elmizane and Ain Ennadja (Algiers) hospitals.

According to local sources, army forces carry on the sweep they started on Sunday, in Boumehni forest in Draa Elmizane. They surrounded a terrorist group of 13 elements in a cave located between Ialalen village, in the district of Ayet Yahia Moussa and Kentidja and armed fighting followed. One terrorist was killed; his weapon and a handmade bomb were recovered. On the other hand, a soldier was killed and 17 others wounded. This is only a temporary toll.

One terrorist eliminated, a soldier killed and 17 others injured

[Al-khiyal]

Algiers, Aug 23, 2006 - - Attackers killed two civilians near the Algerian capital and injured a police officer after a bomb placed under one of the victims detonated, a published report said on Monday.

The victims were killed with their throats slit on Saturday in the town of Telagh, west of Algiers, daily Liberte reported, citing unidentified security officials. An officer was injured after a bomb tucked under one of the bodies went off as security teams arrived.

There has been an upsurge of violence before next Monday's end to a one-year amnesty that the government has offered to Islamic militants in hopes of ending a bloody, 14-year insurgency in the North African country.

Some 300 have turned themselves in under the amnesty, which was offered to an array of Islamic extremists.

But a handful who belong to the Salafist Group for Call and Combat, known by its French acronym GSPC, have rejected the offer and continued attacks - often targeting police. In response, police and security squads have launched a crackdown.

The insurgency started in 1992 when the army canceled a second round of voting in Algeria's first democratic elections to stop a likely victory by an Islamist party.

Civilians' bodies used to conceal bomb in Algeria

[Al-khiyal]

GSPC chiefs besieged in Boumhani Forest

[Al-khiyal]

In an attempt to break the siege on terrorists’ fiefdom El Horra brigade plans attacks in Algiers

[Al-khiyal]

Aug 27 (Reuters) - A six-month amnesty for Algeria's Islamist insurgents, many of whom belong to the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), is set to expire on Monday.

Here are key facts about the group, the main insurgent group still active following more than a decade of conflict between security forces and Islamist rebels.

* The U.S. State Department calls GSPC the "most effective remaining armed group" and the "largest, most active terrorist organization" in Algeria today. The group seeks to overthrow the secular Algerian government and establish an Islamic state.

* The GSPC was formed in 1998 by breakaway members of the Armed Islamic Group, whose policy of murdering and mutilating civilians they opposed. The GSPC attacks security forces using false roadblocks, raids on military convoys and kidnapping.

* The group is based mostly in the Kabylie mountains east of Algiers, where links to local families and criminal networks make it hard to hunt. It is also in parts of the southern desert, the scene of its most spectacular action, the 2003 kidnapping of 32 European tourists. All were freed apart from one who died of heatstroke.

* In September 2003, the GSPC issued a communique in which it announced its allegiance to al Qaeda. It publishes Osama bin Laden's messages on its Web site.

* GSPC's leader is currently Abdelmalek Droudkel, also known as Abu Mus'ab Abd el-Wadoud, who opposes President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's amnesty offer. There has been speculation that his predecessor Hassan Khatab had reached some sort of accommodation with the government.

Key facts about Algeria's GSPC rebel group

[Al-khiyal]

Aug 27 (Reuters) - A six-month amnesty for Algeria's Islamist insurgents is due to expire on Monday as part of government efforts bring a definite end to years of conflict. Following are key quotes about the confrontation between the rebels and the military, and the struggle to end it.

"My aim is to put an end to the violence ... I call on all Algerian men and women to learn again how to live together."

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, presidential campaign 2004.

"When you leave a small fire burning, it can spread."

Abdelhak Layada, founder of the Armed Islamic Group, in June 2006 interview with The New York Times following his release from prison, commenting on rebels who have refused amnesty.

"Terrorism has been defeated, but fundamentalism is intact."

Then Army Chief of Staff General Mohamed Lamari. July 2002.

"Terrorists are criminals. Just because Algerians have received them with open arms doesn't mean they can swagger about. I insist they are criminals, and to forgive is not to forget."

Bouteflika, speech to civil servants. June 2006

"We will fight them with all means."

Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni, of any insurgent failing to surrender under the amnesty. July 2006.

"I do not see why they (the rebels) are still in the mountains. The war is over now."

Madani Mezrag, former leader the now-defunct Islamic Salvation Army. January 2006.

"Islamic currents will come back in force in the political scene. I have no doubt about this."

Mezrag. January 2006.

"How can we talk about national reconciliation when we've been living under a state of emergency for 14 years? A real reconciliation must be negotiated between all parties concerned: the army, the parties, and civil society."

Ali Belhadj, former leader of the banned Islamic Salvation Front. April 2006.

"Those people (Islamists) will never give up the fight for an Islamic republic."

Saliha Larab, a feminist activist. February 2006.

"There is no alternative but to turn the page."

Political analyst and writer Noredine Kelala. February 2006.

Key quotes from Algeria's years of conflict

[Al-khiyal]

Algiers bombings mastermind killed