Algerian fundamentalists kill 16 civilians

Algerian forces yesterday cleared mines planted around a rebel base south of Algiers, in preparation for a final assault on a stronghold of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) Algerian evening newspaper Le Soir d' Algeria said yesterday.

The GIA is the main group accused by authorities of killing civilians, another 16 of whom died overnight Sunday-Monday in Sekmouna village in Medea province, 45 miles south of Algiers, Le Matin, newspaper said yesterday.

The paper also said the rebels massacred and kidnapped young girls and killed the livestock in the village when it bombed the Quezra commune in Medea on Monday, seriously injuring one person, Al Ahram daily said today.

Although the GIA's more moderate rival, the Islamic Salvation Army, called for a cease-fire effective Ocltober 1, the attacks on civilians in Algeria have continued.