21/06/2009
In an internet statement, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for last week's terrorist ambush near Bordj Bou Arreridj that claimed the lives of 24 Algerian gendarmes, Tout sur l'Algerie reported on Saturday (June 20th).
In related news, several gendarmes killed in the attack were buried Friday evening in Khenchla, Batna, Ettaref, Guelma, Skikda, Jijel and Souk Ahras. Local press reported a heavy turnout by civilians wanting to express their support. Among the victims interred was a young man whose family had discouraged him from enlisting. According to Echorouk, he told his father that his "dream was to become a gendarme".