Algerian sources accuse the Islamic Group of massacres

Sources in the Islamic Salvation Front accused the Armed Islamic Group of being responsible for the massacres committed in Relizane in the west of Algeria at the beginning of the month of Ramadan.

It also called for including the Armed Group in any investigation that might be held in the future to discern the degree of its involvement.

The sources refuted the information that those massacres were committed by the Platoon of Horrors, as this group does not have a presence in Relizane any longer. The sources added that this group is still active in the Algerian west, especially in the area of Al Ramka.

The number of the group's members is over 600. The sources also said there are great differences within the group that developed after the death of its leader, Abdel Rahim Khaled, on September 26, 1996.

Sources informed ArabicNews.com that after Khaled's death, his supporters founded another group, "The Protectors of the Fundamentalist Call," and that this group is not responsible for the massacres in Algeria.

A European Union delegation to Algeria is to arrive there on January 19 to begin assessing the situation in Algeria, Fox News reported.