Algerian officials say a car bomb explosion has seriously injured a former Islamic militant leader, who is now a supporter of government efforts to end extremist violence.
Islamic militants are suspected in the attack Tuesday on Mustapha Kertali, who is in critical condition at a local hospital.
The bomb exploded while Kertali was in his car outside a mosque after completing morning prayers. The attack occurred in Larbaa, about 30 kilometers south of Algiers.
Kertali was a former leader in the now-disbanded Islamic Salvation Army. He accepted a government amnesty in 1999 and became a supporter of government efforts for national reconciliation.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.