Algeria’s leading Islamic militant group, which has ties to al Qaeda, has declared war on foreign people and companies in the oil-rich north African country, an Islamic website said on Sunday. The "foreigners war statement" appeared shortly after the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) claimed responsibility for killing more than a dozen soldiers in an apparent escalation of violence in the strife-torn country. "The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat decides...to declare war on everything that is foreign and atheistic within Algeria’s borders, whether against individuals, interests or installations," GSPC leader Nabil Sahraoui said in a statement.
| "Let xenophobia reign supreme! Let the foreigners depart and the national economy tank!" |
Analysts said it was too early to say whether the threat was serious but noted that it coincided with an increase in deadly attacks on Westerners in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. More than 300 people have died in violence this year, about 40 of them in June, according to newspaper reports. |