Algeria: Security forces dismantle terror group

AP via International Herald Tribune ^ | May 19, 2007

[Valin]

Algeria: Security forces dismantle group allegedly linked to deadly April terror bombings

ALGIERS, Algeria: Algerian security forces have dismantled a suspected support network linked to twin terror bombings last month in the capital that killed 30 people and were claimed by an alleged al-Qaida affiliate, the official news agency reported Saturday.

Authorities arrested one member of the alleged logistical cell within two weeks of the April 11 bombings in Algiers, and by following the suspect's testimony rounded up 11 others, the APS news agency said, citing unidentified security officials. It did not indicate when the 11 others were detained.

A group calling itself Al-Qaida in Islamic North Africa, built on the remnants of an insurgent Salafist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks on the prime minister's office and a police station.

A regional Salafist militant leader, identified as Harek Zoheir, alias Sofiane Fassila, was considered by authorities as the suspected ringleader of the cell, APS reported.

Security forces seized more than nine tons of nitric acid and a large amount of an ammonia chemical, stored in two garages in the town of Tidjelabine, 50 kilometers east of the capital, and used for making bombs, the report said. Another stash of explosives and electronic trigger mechanisms were found near Draa Benkhedda, further east.