Three die in Algiers protest

ALGIERS (Reuter) - Muslim fundamentalists, fuelled by anger at this week's jailing of their leaders, surged from Friday prayers in the biggest challenge to Algerian security forces for five months.

Three protesters were killed and at least 15 were wounded as chanting militants of the outlawed Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) confronted heavily armed riot police and paramilitary units.

Gunfire erupted in half a dozen Islamic bastions across the capital, Algiers, after prayers. Confrontations were also reported in the eastern cities of Batna, Constantine and Setif, and Oran in the west.