Local security forces in Algeria say at least 17 people were killed Saturday in a car bomb attack on a barracks in the east coast town of Dellys.

Authorities said about 30 others were wounded.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika prays with unidentified officials in front of the coffins of victims of Batna bomb attack, 07 Sep 2007

The attack occurred two days after 15 people were killed and more than 70 wounded in a suicide bombing in the eastern town of Batna, shortly before a scheduled visit by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Witnesses said the bomber was among a crowd of people waiting to see the president.

Mr. Bouteflika condemned those who carried out the attack as "criminals," and said Algeria was committed to achieving national reconciliation.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy also condemned the suicide bombing, calling it "barbaric and senseless violence."

Islamic militants have been fighting in Algeria since 1992. Violence has largely subsided in the former French colony in recent years, but the group al-Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb continues to fight.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.