Blasts in Algeria

Several news agencies are reporting a series of bomb blasts in Algiers. Reports indicate dozens of wounded and at least seventeen dead from a combination of a car bombing attack and a walking suicide bomber attack against various government locations. One of the targets was the Prime Minister's compound.

Two quick things are passing through my mind beyond sympathy for the victims of the bombing and the residents of Algiers in general. The first is curiosity if these attacks are related to the 120 men recently arrested by Algerian authorities after they had participated in the Iraqi insurgencies.

The second is a slightly better analytical note. This series of attacks appears to be symbolic target terrorism and not an attempt to create market and societal disruption. For the same level of expertise and at far lower risk, attacks against the Algerian energy production and export infrastructure would have greater impact on Algerian society than a symbolic attack that accomplishes nothing besides a guaranteed harsh crackdown.

Update 1 9:56 AM: The Guardian is reporting that the Prime Minister of Algeria is blaming an Al-Quaeda linked group. IF this information is true, then it strongly supports the relationship between this attack and the arrest of 120 men last week, as Al-Quaeda in Iraq had a significant foreign contingent for the purpose of skill dispersion.

UPDATE 2 1:27PM: The Reuters is reporting that an Al-Qaeda affiliated group is claiming responsibility for the two attacks. The death toll has been increased to at least 30 dead.