Algiers - Algerian Muslim rebels killed 10 people in an attack on a village, a medical source said yesterday, raising fears of an upsurge in violence during the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan.
The raid, on Monday night, took place near the coastal city of Bousmail, 70 km west of Algiers, a stronghold of the radical Islamic Armed Group (GIA) which has turned down a government amnesty offer.
"Five children are listed among the victims and one pregnant woman was seriously wounded with a hatchet," a doctor at Bousmail hospital said.
The attack was carried out by six gunmen wearing military uniforms who were searching for a policeman living in the village to kill him.