Algeria: Terrorist attack in Blida during papal visit thwarted

Published at: 13/04/2026 01:27 PM

This Monday, two suicide bombers tried to carry out an attack in the center of the town of Blida, about 50 kilometers from the Algerian capital. The incident occurred during Pope Leo XIV's official visit to the African country, according to Le Point.

The individuals, who were wearing explosive belts, intended to attack a police station and a private sports complex, but were detected by security forces before carrying out their plan.

Witnesses to the incident indicated that the police neutralized the two attackers before they achieved their objectives. After the intervention of the troops, the subjects' explosive belts detonated at the site.

A source stated that the police action prevented a direct impact on the facilities, although unconfirmed preliminary reports indicated that some people who were in the immediate vicinity were injured by the explosions.

So far, government authorities have not officially commented on the details of the event or the final balance of injured people. Security in the Blida area and in the capital was immediately increased to protect the agenda of the Vatican delegation. This attempted attack put intelligence services on alert while the supreme pontiff's program of activities in Algerian territory continues.

Mazo News Team