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last mo.

Two Suicide Blasts Reported in Blida During Pope’s Algeria Visit

Verified footage points to a rare terror attack during the pope’s closely watched trip.

Vue de la ville de Blida, en Algérie
Le pape Léon XIV est en visite historique en Algérie. [Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP]
Image
Algérie: une double tentative d’attentat survient à 50 km d’Alger, en marge de la visite du pape

Overview

  • Reports from Monday in Blida, about 50 kilometers south of Algiers, describe two suicide blasts that killed both attackers.
  • The explosions coincided with Pope Léon XIV’s address at the Grand Mosque of Algiers.
  • Witnesses and media say police engaged the men near the central police station and a private sports complex, and at least one officer was injured.
  • AFP verified videos showing two bodies near a police post, and a Western official source said two terrorist incidents occurred, while no group has claimed responsibility.
  • Authorities have not released an official toll or full account, and coverage diverges on context, with some citing the last such attack as 2012 or 2017 while AFP notes a 2020 suicide bombing on an army base.