Algiers - Twenty-seven people were killed and two others seriously wounded overnight by an armed group in the region of Ain Defla, 150 km west of the Algerian capital, Algerian security services said yesterday. They said the victims were "cowardly assassinated" in the massacre, which took place in the village of Sidi-Sbaa, in the municipality of Miliana.
"The security services have launched an intensive search and pursuit of the perpetrators of this criminal act," the source said.
The attack came days after the announcement on Friday by the President, Mr Liamine Zeroual, that he will leave his job next year, one year before his presidential mandate runs out.
A number of attacks in the west of the country in recent weeks has left dozens of people dead, hinting at a new escalation of violence.
Ain Delfa was the scene of several attacks in August which left 29 civilians dead and around 40 wounded.