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| Algerian bombing ahead of games | Algerian bombing ahead of games |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| A suicide bomber has targeted a military barracks in Algeria killing at least eight people ahead of the opening of the All-Africa Games. | A suicide bomber has targeted a military barracks in Algeria killing at least eight people ahead of the opening of the All-Africa Games. |
| Many more are reported to be injured in the blast that occurred near Bouira, 120km east of the capital, Algiers. | Many more are reported to be injured in the blast that occurred near Bouira, 120km east of the capital, Algiers. |
| Eyewitnesses said that a vehicle laden with explosives drove at high speed into the barracks in Lakhdaria village. | Eyewitnesses said that a vehicle laden with explosives drove at high speed into the barracks in Lakhdaria village. |
| Some 8,000 athletes representing more than 20 sports are in the country for the opening ceremony on Wednesday. | Some 8,000 athletes representing more than 20 sports are in the country for the opening ceremony on Wednesday. |
| Tight security | Tight security |
| The BBC's Inas Mazhar in Algiers says there is unprecedented security presence in the city in preparation for the event. | The BBC's Inas Mazhar in Algiers says there is unprecedented security presence in the city in preparation for the event. |
| The All-Africa Games are set to open on Wednesday evening | |
| She said organisers have gone to great lengths to make sure every part of the capital is secured - searching Google Earth to get accurate pictures of the city. | She said organisers have gone to great lengths to make sure every part of the capital is secured - searching Google Earth to get accurate pictures of the city. |
| Some 8,710 police officers and soldiers have been appointed to secure the capital to be distributed around 91 locations, she said. | Some 8,710 police officers and soldiers have been appointed to secure the capital to be distributed around 91 locations, she said. |
| There are also 94 checkpoints in the city. | There are also 94 checkpoints in the city. |
| It is the second time that Algeria has hosted the games - the first being in 1978. | It is the second time that Algeria has hosted the games - the first being in 1978. |
| Some athletes had expressed concern about going to the games given recent insecurity in the country. | Some athletes had expressed concern about going to the games given recent insecurity in the country. |
| In April, an organisation called al-Qaeda in the Maghreb claimed responsibility for two blasts in Algiers which killed more than 20 people ahead of elections. | In April, an organisation called al-Qaeda in the Maghreb claimed responsibility for two blasts in Algiers which killed more than 20 people ahead of elections. |
| President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose party won the polls, launched a programme of national reconciliation in 2005, following years of a violent Islamist insurgency. | President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose party won the polls, launched a programme of national reconciliation in 2005, following years of a violent Islamist insurgency. |
| Berbers | |
| Wednesday's blast happened in the mountainous Kabylie region, home to the Berber ethnic group who make up 30% of the population. | |
| The Berbers have been resisting the spreading Arab influence and their demands for greater rights have sparked unrest. | |
| In 2005, the government also made a deal with Berber leaders, promising more investment in Kabylie and greater recognition for Tamazight language. | |
| But in May's elections, the main political group linked to the Berber-speaking areas in the north-east boycotted the polls. |