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Algerian bombing ahead of games Algerian bombing ahead of games
(20 minutes later)
A suicide bomber has targeted a military barracks in Algeria killing at least nine people, say officials, ahead of the opening of the All-Africa Games.A suicide bomber has targeted a military barracks in Algeria killing at least nine people, say officials, 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 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.
The All-Africa games are one of the continent's biggest sporting events. The All-Africa Games are one of the continent's biggest sporting events.
New French president Nicolas Sarkozy visited Algiers on Tuesday, in his first trip outside Europe.New French president Nicolas Sarkozy visited Algiers on Tuesday, in his first trip outside Europe.
Tight securityTight 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 Games.
This is the second time Algeria is hosting the All-Africa Games This is the second time Algeria is hosting the All-Africa GamesOrganisers have been trying to ensure that every part of the capital is secured - searching Google Earth to get accurate pictures of the city and deploying some 8,710 police officers and soldiers at about 90 locations in 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.
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.
BerbersBerbers
Wednesday's blast happened in the mountainous Kabylie region, home to the Berber ethnic group who make up 30% of the population.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.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.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.But in May's elections, the main political group linked to the Berber-speaking areas in the north-east boycotted the polls.