Al-Qaeda Claims Algeria Attacks

(NEWSER) - Two bombs, including one targeting the prime minister's office, killed at least 23 people in Algiers today, in the latest in a round of suspected Al-Qaeda-affiliated terror attacks that have rocked North Africa in recent weeks, the New York Times reports. More»

Bubonic plague wiped out 40 recruits at Algerian base

(NEWSER) - Bubonic plague is believed to have wiped out dozens of al-Qaeda recruits at a terror training camp in Algeria, the Daily Mail reports. The epidemic came to light when security forces found a militant's diseased body dumped on a roadside. Security sources say the plague forced the group to turn its hideout into a mass grave and flee, possibly infecting other terror cells. Some experts speculate that the deaths occurred as the cell was attempting to develop biological weapons. More»

Second day of violence leaves dozens wounded in Bouira

(NEWSER) - Two car bombs killed 11 people and left 31 wounded in the Algerian city of Bouira, just a day after a suicide bombing in Algiers killed dozens more. Today's bombs targeted a hotel and a military command center, and one of the explosions occurred as a passenger bus drove past. No group has taken responsibility for any of the bombings, reports the New York Times, but in 2006 a long-term insurgent group swore allegiance to al-Qaeda. More»

Americans warned to restrict movements

(NEWSER) - US Embassy officials have warned employees in Algiers to take increased security measures to guard against the heightened risk of terror attacks, Reuters reports. It was the second warning since double bombings in the city two months ago that were claimed by al-Qaeda. All Americans were urged to limit their movements around the country to avoid danger. More»

Al-Qaeda claims responsibility for twin blasts that killed dozens

(NEWSER) - Rescuers worked though the night to locate missing UN workers and others trapped in the rubble left by yesterday's twin car bombs in Algiers, which a North African group linked to al-Qaeda claims to have detonated. Death counts vary, but the UN estimates that 45 were killed, including a dozen UN staffers, CNN reports. The group, which wants to turn North Africa into an Islamic state, posted its claim on an Islamist website. More»