611 Algerian journalists in three hotels

12 persons were killed and another 21 wounded in a bomb explosion under a train when it was passing through Ein al-Dufla district southwest of the Algerian capital Algiers, while the Armed Islamic Group killed nine persons, including seven members of self-defense teams.

A statement by Algerian security forces said the "criminal act" against the train took place in the Kundik region.

Meanwhile, Algerian dailies issued on Thursday reported that armed groups killed nine persons in Annaba to the east and in Teizi Ozo in the Tribes area including seven members of self-defense teams.

The Algerian dailies al-Aseel and Liberty said that attackers ambushed a team of civil defense groups and four persons were killed as a result in Ein Bardeh, located just a few kilometers from the city of Annaba. Al-Khabar daily said that three persons were killed as a result of bomb explosion in a poultry station in Seidi Numan village in Tezi Ozo district. Since last Thursday some 105 persons were killed including at least 59 armed Islamists, and 19 members of self-defense teams, the Algerian dailies reported.

Algerian minister of communications and culture Jamrawi Habib Shawqi revealed that some 611 Algerian journalists are living in three hotels to avoid being vulnerable to terrorist acts and to ensure their safety against attacks by the Islamist rebels. Replying to a question from an Algerian parliamentarian, the minister noted that the government is careful to protect journalists.

Some 60 Algerian journalists were killed by armed attackers before such current measures were taken, MENA reported.