Algeria ramps up security after threats

ALGIERS, Algeria, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Security officials in Algeria took preventive measures at state embassies and institutions in response to threats from al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

Lt. Col. Ali Tunisi, Algeria's national security director, enacted strict security measures following tandem suicide operations that killed 17 United Nations employees and several others, KUNA reported Saturday.

Authorities erected concrete barriers around the presidential headquarters and various other strategic buildings, the Kuwaiti news agency said.