Algerian ceasefire broken by AIS

Guerrillas from Algeria's Islamic Salvation Army (AIS) killed a government militiaman in eastern Algeria, breaking a self-imposed ceasefire begun earlier this month, an Algerian newspaper said yesterday.

Algeria's main Arabic daily, Al Akhbar, reported that 10 AIS guerrillas shot and killed the militiaman at Tayelmane in Al Ansar zone of Jijel, 150 miles east of Algeris last Monday--13 days after the AIS declared a unilateral ceasefire. There was no independent confirmation of the attack and no immediate comment from the AIS or the government. Jijel is the main stronghhold of AIS, the armed wing of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), which announced a ceasefire beginning on October 1. it said the move would expose rival guerrillas of the Armed Islamic Group it blamed for massacres of civilians in the north African country.

The AIS, which was active in the east and west of Algeria has distanced itself from killing civilians, focusing operations on security forces.