Selection: Michalis Katsigeras

ALGERIA: Algiers, 2 – Heavy fighting has broken out between rebels and the French military supply protection division in a district some 150 kilometers east of Algiers. Twelve of the rebels were killed, while the French sustained 25 deaths and 12 injuries. Immediately reserve forces were sent in by helicopter and more of the rebels were killed. Meanwhile, the rebels have abducted two Europeans in the region of Tizi Ouzou. During the course of the investigation, many suspects were arrested and a large cache of weapons seized. A top rebel general arrested during operations in the Sahara Desert managed to escape. He had been handed over to two soldiers to be taken to a nearby helicopter so as to be transported to the nearest military command, but on the way he managed to disarm one of the soldiers and, jumping into a gorge, managed to escape. This morning two Muslims were executed after having been sentenced to death by a military court for acts of terrorism. In addition, this morning terrorists killed two Europeans in a suburb of the capital Algiers.