Algiers — During a visit to Tizi Ouzou Tuesday (July 16th), Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal confirmed support for local residents in their fight against terrorism.

Kabylie terrorists set off bombs just ahead of his arrival.

Monday at iftar time, al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) targeted the national gendarmerie, reportedly using a remote control device. No casualties were reported.

Gendarmes managed to dismantle another bomb planted nearby.

Security forces raised their alert level and summoned reinforcements as a precaution against any possible terrorist attack on the prime minister, especially as the bomb went off 200 metres from Sellal's first stop: a bridge at the entrance of Drâa Ben Khedda.

Bomb detection units conducted a thorough search of the area, going up and down the road the government delegation was set to travel.

Sellal made the visit to inspect development projects in the area, which has been suffering from roadside bombs, kidnappings and armed attacks for years.

His trip to Tizi Ouzou province was scheduled for July 5th, which coincided with independence and youth day in the country. However, it was postponed after two bombs exploded in Drâa Ben Khedda on July 1st and three other bombs were dismantled in the area.

During a meeting with area dignitaries on Friday, Sellal admitted that Tizi Ouzou needed security stability.

"The state will always be with you in combating the terrorism, which you're still suffering from," he confirmed. He noted that the area needed more help to ensure security.

Sellal said that 10 billion dinars would fund economic and social projects in the province.

"The government is committed to assisting the province and helping it deal with the various concerns of its population in different fields," he noted.

For his part, Tizi Ouzou Governor Abdelkader Bouazghi said that the geographical features of the area and instability therein have stalled development efforts in the province.

Algerian security forces have launched combing operations in a number of areas believed to be harbouring AQIM terrorists.

Some 22 militants from the Movement for Tawhid and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) and Ansar al-Din were killed in various desert operations, while ANP troops thwarted an infiltration attempt by terrorist groups Bordj Badji Mokhtar.

Five 5 militants died in the operation, El Khabar reported on July 16th.