A tourist has been brutally killed by a man chanting “long live Palestine” in a brutal knife attack man outside a café in Algeria.
The Swiss tourist was pronounced dead after the rampage at a café in Djanet, southern Algeria, on October 11.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was attacked whilst sitting on the terrace of the Scanner café with her children and a friend.
The attacker, who was described as a young man from northern Algeria, reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” and “long live Palestine” during the assault.
Djanet is in southern AlgeriaGETTYFollowing the incident, the assailant fled the scene, prompting Algerian authorities to launch a massive manhunt.
Helicopters were deployed with the suspect’s picture also being distributed.
Several days later, the attacker was apprehended. However, the motive for the attack remains unclear.
The attack occurred in the city centre of Djanet, a holiday resort in southern Algeria.
The victim was quickly taken to hospital but later died due to significant blood loss.
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Prior to the fatal incident, the assailant had reportedly attempted to attack another group of tourists at a market but was repelled.
Bern confirmed the “violent death of a Swiss citizen” and has since evacuated the victim’s three children and friend to Switzerland.
Algerian authorities have remained notably silent about the attack, reportedly asking local residents to refrain from sharing information on social media.
The incident was first reported by French newspaper Liberation nearly two weeks after it occurred.
The attack comes at a time when Algeria has been actively promoting tourism, particularly in the Sahara region.
Men and women perform a traditional dance during the Sebeiba Festival in Djanet
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Last year, Algeria welcomed 2.5 million tourists, its highest number in two decades.
However, the recent attack may potentially impact Algeria’s tourism efforts, as concerns about security could deter visitors.
Algeria’s history with Islamist violence provides context for this recent attack.
The country experienced a devastating civil war in the 1990s, triggered by the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS)’s victory in the nation’s first multi-party municipal elections.
Authorities had promised to facilitate tourist visas in an effort to boost visitor numbers.