Algerian rebels kill 17 - report

ALGIERS, Algeria -- Suspected Algerian rebels have killed 17 civilians and wounded four others in the bloodiest attack during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, according to the official APS news agency.

Quoting security sources, APS said a group of "terrorists" stormed the area of Cadat in Aaribt commune, in Ain Defla province, 130 km (81 miles) southwest of Algiers, at about 10 p.m (2100 GMT).

APS said security forces launched a "large-scale manhunt for the criminals." It gave no further details.

"Terrorist" is the word usually used by officials to identify the Islamic armed rebels fighting to topple the government and establish a purist Islamic state in the North African country.

Violence erupted after authorities cancelled a general election in January 1992 which Islamic fundamentalists were poised to win.

More than 100,000 people have been killed since then, according to official figures, although independent sources put the death toll at 150,000.