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| Explosions rock Algerian capital | Explosions rock Algerian capital |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| At least 17 people have been killed after several blasts rocked Algeria's capital - one exploding near the prime minister's office. | |
| Nine died after a car bomb targeted the government buildings in the centre of the capital, Algiers. | |
| Another explosion hit a police station in the east of Algiers, near the city's international airport, killing eight. | Another explosion hit a police station in the east of Algiers, near the city's international airport, killing eight. |
| Unharmed by the blast, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem called the attacks a cowardly and criminal act. | |
| No group has yet admitted carrying out the attacks. | |
| Violent attacks have been increasing in Algeria since the main Islamist rebel group, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), changed its name to the al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb in January. | |
| Last August, Algeria offered Islamist militants a six-month amnesty on condition of surrender. | |
| 'Cowardice and betrayal' | |
| Ambulances rushed to the city centre and police blocked entry to the prime minister's office, which also houses the offices of the interior minister, witnesses said. | |
| The city centre explosion was so loud it could be heard up to 10km (6 miles) away, residents said. | |
| In Bab Ezzouar, in Algiers' eastern suburbs, at least 50 people were injured in the police station blast. | |
| Speaking on Algerian radio, Mr Belkhadem denounced the bombings, which come as the government is working towards national reconciliation. | |
| "This is a crime, a cowardly act. It can only be described as cowardice and betrayal," Mr Belkhadem said. | "This is a crime, a cowardly act. It can only be described as cowardice and betrayal," Mr Belkhadem said. |
| "At a time when the Algerian people are asking for national reconciliation and extend their hands, these criminal acts are taking place." | "At a time when the Algerian people are asking for national reconciliation and extend their hands, these criminal acts are taking place." |
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