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Algerian bombing ahead of games Soldiers killed in Algerian bomb
(about 3 hours 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 lorry bomber has killed at least eight soldiers at a military barracks in Algeria - on the opening day 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. More than 20 people were injured in the blast near Bouira, 120km (75 miles) east of the capital, Algiers.
Eyewitnesses said a vehicle laden with explosives drove at high speed into the barracks in Lakhdaria village. Al-Qaeda's North Africa wing said it carried out the bomb at the barracks in the village of Lakhdaria.
Some 8,000 athletes representing more than 20 sports are in the country for the opening ceremony on Wednesday. The attack came as 8,000 athletes from more than 20 sports gathered in the capital for the opening ceremony.
The bomber also died after detonating a refrigerated truck packed with explosives at the military encampment in the mountainous Kabylie region at 0530 local time (0530 GMT).
ALL-AFRICA GAMES 2007 Algeria's first major event in 15 years because of insecurity8,710 police and soldiers8,000 athletes competing 94 checkpoints in Algiers 52 countries sending teamsMore than 25 sports 9th editionLast hosted in Algeria in 1978
The owner of a coffee shop in Lakhdaria said: "I heard a terrible explosion.
"I first thought it was an earthquake but soon I found out it was an attack against the barracks."
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. The BBC's Inas Mazhar in Algiers said there is an unprecedented security presence for the Games.
Tight security Some 8,710 police officers and soldiers have been deployed at about 90 locations in the city.
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 GamesIt is the second time that the North African country has hosted the games - the first being in 1978.
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.
There are also 94 checkpoints in the city.
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. The suicide blast came a day after new French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Algiers, in his first trip outside Europe since coming to power.
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose party won the polls, launched a programme of national reconciliation in 2005, following years of a violent Islamist insurgency. In April, an organisation calling itself al-Qaeda in the Maghreb claimed responsibility for two blasts in Algiers which killed more than 20 people ahead of elections.
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.