Algerian Troops Reportedly Encircle Scores of Rebels

Troops backed by helicopters have encircled scores of rebels in northern Algeria’s mountains, Algerian newspapers reported Monday.

Le Matin and Al Khabar dailies said troops had surrounded the rebels in areas south and west of Attatba, about 25 miles southwest of Algiers, the capital. One paper put the number of rebels at 50, another at 60.

Le Matin said soldiers had located about 40 blockhouses in the area, each reportedly able to hold about 20 rebels. It said bulldozers guarded by soldiers began plowing roads through the forest.

One newspaper quoted an army officer as warning civilians in outlying villages that Muslim guerrillas might stage massacres and bomb attacks after heavy rebel losses during the government offensive, which began two weeks ago.

At least 36 villagers died in massacres last week in villages south and west of the capital.