Two people were killed in the latest clashes between anti-riot police and demonstrators demanding better living conditions in southern Algeria, media reported Saturday.
The two protesters were killed in clashes late Friday night with anti-riot troops in Touggourt in Ouargla province, 615 km southeast of the capital Algiers, Xinhua reported citing the TSA news website.
Violence erupted when young protesters took to the streets over the lack of subsidised housing, drinking water and jobs. More than 40 people were injured in the confrontations, while several protesters were arrested.
A security source said the two protesters died when some 700 angry youngsters attacked a police station with Molotov cocktails to free 14 of their arrested comrades.
Algerian Interior Minister Tayeb Belaiz and a security chief rushed to Touggourt Saturday to contain the situation.