Algeria announces GIA's eradication

ALGIERS, Algeria, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Algeria announced it has nearly stamped out the Islamic armed group known as GIA, the country's most dangerous during the 1990s.

Speaking Wednesday at a police graduation ceremony, Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zarhouni said security in the country has improved significantly since GIA now has no more than 10 to 20 members.

"We are still at war with the Salafi Group for Daawa and Fighting led by Abu Misaab Abdel Wadoud, the biggest and most dangerous armed group at present," Zarhouni said.

"We will succeed in eradicating that group with the help and support of the people."

The Salafi group is believed to include between 400 and 500 members.