MEDEA, Oct 23: Suspected Algerian Islamic militants killed 16 people in the first attack on civilians since the start of the holy month of Ramazan, 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 70km south of Algiers, a civil defence officer told Reuters.
Local residents also said 13 people were reported missing and feared they had been kidnapped by the rebels. Some also said the number of dead was most likely 17.
The victims have been transferred to a hospital in Medea.
The Interior Ministry was not immediately available for comment.
Algerian Islamic rebels have usually intensified their attacks during Ramazan, which began eight days ago, in the belief it brings them closer to God.
More than 1,000 were killed in Ramazan in some years during the 1990s. Last year, Ramazan was the least violent in a decade with less than 100 killed. But authorities have still tightened security in main cities this year to foil possible attacks.-Reuters
