afrol News, 11 July - A suicide attack in Algeria on Wednesday morning has killed at least 9 people dead and 15 others seriously injured. The explosion is the second of its kind this year, the first taking place in April when suicide strikes killed over 30 people as well as cause destruction to property in the capital Algiers.

The North African wing of al-Qaeda claimed responsibility of the April explosions.

The latest attack, which took place in the south-eastern part of Algiers, was aimed at a military barracks in Lakhdara village. A vehicle full of explosives speedily drove into Lakhdaria barracks before causing explosion. Some passers-by civilians of the barracks have also become victims of the attack.

After the annulment of the 1992 legislative polls claimed to have been won by the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), Algeria had experienced a civil war which left more than 150,000 people dead and thousands missing.

A radical terrorist group, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, which is believed to be an arm of al-Qaeda, had been blamed for carrying out most explosions in the country.

In 2005, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika called for national reconciliation and even offered amnesty to his government's opponents.

The Wednesday bombing followed a visit by the French President, Nicolas Sarkowy, to Algeria on Tuesday. It also happened at a time when the north African county is hosting the All Africa Games for the second time in history.

The bombing had raised fears of insecurity among some athletes but Algerian authorities have stepped up heavy security in Algiers. Over 8,000 police officers and soldiers have been providing security in the capital.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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