Qaeda unit claims Algeria blasts in call to Jazeera

DUBAI, Feb 13 (Reuters) The Al Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings in Algeria today, al Jazeera television said.

It said the group, previously known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, made the claim in a telephone call to its office in the Moroccan capital Rabat. ''Qaeda's organisation in the Islamic states of Maghreb adopted the bombings in Algeria,'' Jazeera said.

Seven bombs went off almost simultaneously in Algeria on Tuesday, killing six people east of the capital Algiers.

Reuters SSC DB2234