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Al-Qaeda claim over Algeria bombs Algiers blasts kill 10 UN staff
(20 minutes later)
A group allied to al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility on an Islamist website for two bombs which left dozens feared dead in the Algerian capital, Algiers. The United Nations has confirmed 10 of its staff are among dozens feared dead in a double car bombing in the Algerian capital, Algiers.
The militants said the blasts were a "successful conquest" involving two "martyrs" in explosives-laden cars. Medics said at least 62 people died at the United Nations offices and at Algeria's supreme court, although the official death toll stands at 26.
Medics said at least 62 people died at United Nations offices and at Algeria's Constitutional Council, although the official death toll stands at 26 dead. A group allied to al-Qaeda has claimed the attacks on an Islamist website, calling them a "successful conquest".
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called it "an abjectly cowardly strike".UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called it "an abjectly cowardly strike".
The blasts, which the government said injured at least 177 people, were the latest in a series of attacks in Algeria this year.The blasts, which the government said injured at least 177 people, were the latest in a series of attacks in Algeria this year.
In an online statement, a group calling itself al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb said that two vehicles packed with 800kg (1,700lb) of explosives each were used in the blasts, which came minutes apart. A bus packed with students caught the full force of the blast near Algeria's highest court - the Constitutional Council - at around 0930 (0830 GMT).
The group said it had targeted "the headquarters of the international infidels' den" and the Algerian Constitutional Council to honour one of its senior militants, who died fighting Algerian troops. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offices in Hydra was the other target.
'Infidels' den'
A residential building and the offices of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees across the road were also damaged, witnesses said.
In an unverified online statement, a group calling itself al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb said two vehicles packed with 800kg (1,700lb) of explosives each were used in the blasts, which came minutes apart.
The group said it had targeted "the headquarters of the international infidels' den" and the supreme court to honour one of its senior militants, who died fighting Algerian troops.
The statement concluded: "The conquest comes to remind the Crusaders who are occupying our land and the plunderers of our wealth that they should listen carefully to the demands and speeches of our sheikh... Osama Bin Laden, God protect him."The statement concluded: "The conquest comes to remind the Crusaders who are occupying our land and the plunderers of our wealth that they should listen carefully to the demands and speeches of our sheikh... Osama Bin Laden, God protect him."