Algerian forces kill Armed Islamic Group leader

Algerian forces attacked yesterday the residence of the Armed Islamic Group's (GIA) leader in Algeria, Mohammed Eiash, at the center of the Algerian capital, Algiers.

A source in the GIA told ArabicNews.com that the governmental forces besieged the apartment for six hours while they exchanged gunfire, killing a soldier and two children. The government killed Eiash as well as members of his group.

The source added that the governmental forces attacked the leader's apartment using bombs and internationally-prohibited weapons. Moreover the source called for an international initiative to halt the use of such weapons in mountain areas and now in areas filled with inhabitants.

Violence broke out in Algeria in 1992 after the cancellation of elections that Islamic parties were set to win.

The Algerian authorities said Eiash was responsible for killing civilians in the massacre of El-Tin last year.