Several dead including soldiers in violent fires in Algeria

At least 34 people, including ten soldiers, died in violent fires that occurred in northeastern Algeria overnight from Sunday to Monday and are still ongoing, according to a new report published by the Ministry of the Interior on Monday evening.

A previous report reported 15 dead and 26 injured following the fires that affected about fifteen wilayas (prefectures) in the northeast of the country.

Soldiers found themselves surrounded by flames as they were evacuated from Beni Ksila, in the Béjaïa prefecture, accompanied by residents of neighboring hamlets, the Ministry of Defense said.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune sent his condolences to the families, referring to “civilian victims” but also “military”.