UPDATE 3 - Death toll in Algeria forest fires rises to 42, including 25 soldiers

UPDATES DEATH TOLL, ADDS TURKISH REACTION, CHANGES TITLE, LEDE, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ibrahim El-Khazen

ALGIERS, Algeria (AA) - The Death toll in Algeria's forest fires has risen to 42, including 25 soldiers, the Algerian government said late on Tuesday.

Several Algerian provinces have for days witnessed an outbreak of massive fires that were exacerbated because of a severe heatwave and hot and strong southern winds.

Earlier on Tuesday, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that 25 military personnel died while rescuing more than 100 people from fires in the eastern part of the country.

"With great sadness and sorrow, I received the news of the martyrdom of 25 members of the People's National Army," Tebboune tweeted.

He emphasized that they were killed "after they succeeded in rescuing more than 100 citizens from the blazing fires, in the mountains of Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou."

He extended "condolences to all the families of the martyrs."

Turkey's Communications Director Fehrettin Altun expressed sadness for Algeria's loss and stated his country's support.

"I was deeply saddened by the devastating loss of 25 soldiers in Algeria, who lost their lives whilst saving locals from wildfires," Altun said on Twitter. "I pray for Algeria's sons tonight and offer my heartfelt condolences to their families. Turkey stands with Algeria -- our friend and ally."

On Tuesday, the Algerian Civil Protection Department said at least seven people were killed and several injured as wildfires have spread to 36 locations across 18 provinces.

It was also reported that 19 fires started in Tizi Ouzou, with the rest in the country's central regions, mostly in the east.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat