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3 killed in Algerian bomb blasts
January 22, 1997
Web posted at: 10:45 a.m. EST (1545 GMT)
BLIDA, Algeria (CNN) -- At least three people were killed and dozens of others injured Wednesday when two car bombs ripped through the crowded center of the city that is home to one of Algeria's most important military bases. The blasts came a day after 18 people were killed in car bomb attacks in Algiers.
The first bomb exploded at about 10 a.m. (0900 GMT) in a market in central Blida, killing at least two and wounding many more, residents said. The second bomb killed at least one person when it went off in the city's main street. Residents said the attacks caused considerable damage.
The region, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Algiers, has been the center of an intensifying terror campaign blamed on Islamic insurgents. Blida is the site of a major military base and also is known as a Muslim guerrilla stronghold.
On Tuesday, two car bombs exploded in the hills above Algiers, less than a mile apart. Forty-two people were killed in another Algiers blast on Sunday.
No one has claimed responsibility for any of the attacks, but suspicion has fallen on Islamic militants who have been fighting security forces in Algeria for five years.
Algerian newspapers said Tuesday's attacks raised the death toll since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on January 10 to at least 150. They estimated 170 others have been wounded.
Algiers residents reported seeing leaflets that said there would be 50 bombs during Ramadan. The Armed Islamic Group had warned it would increase attacks during the holy month.
About 60,000 people have been killed in Algeria's violence since early 1992 when authorities canceled a general election that radical Islamists were poised to win.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Bombs explode in Algeria - December 30, 1996
- Algeria signs new constitution into law - December 7, 1996
- Algerians prepare for first free presidential election - November 15, 1995
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