The head of a violent Islamic group died in a firefight with government troops, Algerian newspapers reported Tuesday. Rashid Abu Turab, head of the Armed Islamic Group, was reportedly killed Sunday by the Algerian army during a military operation carried out in the Tamezguida Forest, some 45 kilometers south of the capital, Algiers.
Abu Turab killed together with 15 followers, according to Le Matin newspaper, citing sources within the Algerian security service. The government was withholding official statement about Abu Tourab's killing until military authorities positively identify his body, according to The Liberty newspaper.
Abu Turab's group is believed to have orchestrated an attack on a bus near Algiers last month that killed 13 people and injured nine.
Abu Turab replaced Antar Zouabri, who was killed in February 2001 in an attack by Algerian security forces. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
