A CAR BOMB exploded on a bustling street in the centre of Algiers last evening, killing 21 people and wounding 60.
The bomb, the second in the Algerian capital in 12 days, followed a massacre in Medea province, a stronghold of the feared Armed Islamic Group (GIA).
About 60,000 people have been killed in Algeria since early 1992, when the authorities cancelled a general election which radical Islamists were about to win.
"A bomb planted in a vehicle exploded around 2000 hours (2100 GMT) in Belouizdad avenue in Algiers. This new terrorist crime led to the killing of 21 people," the Algerian APS news agency said, quoting the Algerian security services.
The bomb exploded during rush hour after people ended their daily fast during the Muslim month of Ramadan.
According to one resident, the bomb exploded near a crowded cafe and a cinema, known as Cinema Musset. "Windows were shattered in many buildings nearby and some balconies collapsed," he said.
Security forces said earlier that 36 people were massacred in Sidi Abdelaziz village in Medea province, 70 km south of Algiers. They blamed the killings on a "group of terrorists", their term for antigovernment Islamist guerrillas.
The massacre on Saturday night was the bloodiest in a series of killings, mostly in remote villages, and bombings in Algiers and surrounding towns which have claimed more than 300 lives in the past 2 1/2 months.
On Thursday, a bomb killed 14 people and wounded more than 100 in a crowded car market in Boufarik, 30km south of Algiers. Car bombs in Algiers and the eastern town of Ain Fakroun killed 20 people 12 days ago and Muslim guerrillas slaughtered 14 villagers' in Tabainat village, 50km south of Algiers, a week ago.
The guerrillas have apparently stepped up their attacks during Ramadan, believing that the holy month is fitting for their "holy war" against the government.