A series of bomb blasts has targeted security forces in north-eastern Algeria, including here in Ben Khada town, 90km east of Algiers.

The town of Si Mustafa suffered the deadliest attacks. Four of the six victims were killed there.

Five of the seven bombs were set off from vehicles, the government said.

An al-Qaeda-linked group said it carried out the blasts, but its online statement could not be verified.

Tuesday's attacks were the first to target police since a series of truck bombs in Algiers last October.