Suspected Algerian Islamic militants killed 16 people in the first attack on civilians since the start of the holy month of Ramadan, officials said on Saturday.
The victims, mostly young people, were shot dead, burned or had their throats cut at a rebel roadblock early in the evening on Friday near the city of Medea, some 70 km (45 miles) south of Algiers, a civil defense officer told Reuters.
Local residents said those killed on a mountainous road were on their way to visit their farm lands. A security source said earlier reports of 13 others missing were unfounded.
“I called my friend to find out if he had been caught in the attack. Someone else answered the phone and told me ’come retrieve your dogs’,” a local resident, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.
A vast military operation involving anti-terrorist units was underway to track down the suspected militants in a region known for rebel activity.
The victims were buried on Saturday and mourners included Interior Minister Noureddine Zerhouni.
Authorities declined to comment, although official radio confirmed 16 people had been killed.
History of Ramadan attacks
Algerian Islamic rebels have usually intensified their attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began eight days ago.
“The terrorists believe they get closer to God if they kill during Ramadan,” said an Algerian expert in rebel groups.
More than 1,000 were killed in Ramadan during the worst years between 1993 and 1997. Last year’s Ramadan was the least violent in a decade with less than 100 killed. But authorities have tightened security in cities this year to foil possible attacks and have increased patrols and road blocks.
Islamist rebels have been fighting to set up a purist Islamic state in the Muslim country since 1992 when the government cancelled parliamentary elections a now banned radical Islamic party was poised to win.
More than 150,000 people have died since, mostly at the hands of insurgents, according to human rights groups.
Violence has dropped significantly in recent years, with military victories and rebel surrenders paving the way for foreign investments to return gradually.
The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), which supports al-Qaida, is the only significant movement remaining in Algeria with a few hundred rebels. It has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on the military, but says it does not target civilians.
The Armed Islamic Group (GIA), famous for cutting the throats of civilian victims, still has a few dozen active members, although it is no longer seen as a threat, experts say.