Incident Summary:

3/25/2001: Suspected members of the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) used an explosive to break into a residence housing three families in Bouarfa, Algeria. Once inside the home, the assailants killed twelve Algerian civilians using guns and knives. Algerian security forces later a defused an additional bomb left at the scene that did not detonate.

GTD ID:
200103250007

When:
2001-03-25

Country:
Algeria

Region:
Middle East & North Africa

Province/administrative
region/u.s. state:

Blida

City:
Bouarfa

Location Details:
Sidi Abdurrahman neighborhood; near the Chrea mountains; 50 KM south of Algiers

Attack Information
Type of Attack (more) Bombing/Explosion
Successful Attack? (more) Yes
Target Information (more)
Target Type: Private Citizens & Property
Name of Entity Indiscriminate Algerian citizens
Specific Description An Algerian family and their guests in Blida
Nationality of Target Algeria
Additional Information
Hostages No
Ransom No
Property Damage Yes
Extent of Property Damage Minor (likely < $1 million)
Value of Property Damage Unknown
Weapon Information
Type Sub-type
Explosives Unknown Explosive Type
Firearms Automatic Weapon
Melee Knife or Other Sharp Object
Weapon Details
Two bombs; Kalashnikovs, rifles, and small pistols; knives
Additional Information
Suicide Attack?No
Part of Multiple Incident?No
Criterion 1 (more) Yes
Criterion 2 (more) Yes
Criterion 3 (more) Yes
Doubt Terrorism Proper (more) No
Additional Information The attack took place around 10:00 PM.
Perpetrator Group Information
Group Name Claimed Responsibility
Armed Islamic Group (GIA) (suspected) No
Perpetrator Statistics
Number of Perpetrators Unknown
Number of Captured Perpetrators 0
Casualty Information
Total Number of Casualties 12 Fatalities / 0 Injured
Total Number of Fatalities 12
Number of U.S. Fatalities 0
Number of Perpetrator Fatalities 0
Total Number of Injured 0
Number of U.S. Injured 0
Number of Perpetrators Injured 0
Sources
W. T., "Terrorists Strike at the Heart of the Mitidja: Twelve People Killed in Bouarfa," Le Mat, March 27, 2001.
"Algeria: Twelve killed by armed Islamists near Algiers, local residents say," Agence France Presse, March 26, 2001.
"12 people killed in Algerian attack With AP Photos," Associated Press, March 26, 2001.