Algeria Under Scrutiny Over Silence on Blida Suicide Attacks During Pope’s Visit

Rabat – Algeria has been under sharp scrutiny as international media question the Algerian authorities’ silence after two suicide attacks that struck Blida during Pope Leo XIV’s visit.

AFP quoted a “Western” source familiar with the suicide attacks as stating that there were two security incidents yesterday in Blida.

The source, offering authenticated images, said the incidents are of a terrorist nature.

“Two attackers blew themselves up and died,” noted the source.

The African Union initially condemned the attacks, but it later withdrew the post, stating it had been “based on information not corroborated by official sources.”

In its original AU statement, the African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said he “condemns in the strongest possible terms the double attack that occurred on April 13, 2026, in Blida.”

The same outlet recalled local media and authorities’ silence, with the Western source also mentioning a possible third security incident near the Blida stadium.

AFP said authenticated footage showcases two victims in the middle of the street, while several people gather around them.

“Based on what can be seen, the scene is near several shops and a police station,” the news outlet wrote.

In response to the bombings, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office issued an urgent travel warning for Algeria on Monday.

The Office confirmed it is aware of reports of an explosion on Monday in Blida, urging British citizens in the area to remain vigilant at all times and follow the advice of local security authorities.

The bombings coincided with the arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Algeria, invited by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for what was the first papal visit to the country. 

The visit is part of the pope’s 11-day African tour, which will take him to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

One of the most recent terrorist attacks in Algeria targeted a military base in February 2020, killing a soldier near the Malian border. The IS group claimed the attack.

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