*UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL
ALGIERS (AA) – More than 100 people were reportedly killed when an Algerian military aircraft crashed near the capital Algiers on Wednesday, according to local media.
The aircraft went down near the Boufarik military base in Bilda province, less than 20 miles from Algiers, the official Algerian Presse news agency reported.
The agency said the Iliouchine-type plane was heading for Bechar in southwestern Algeria.
According to local media, the plane had been transporting dozens of troops and equipment when it crashed.
No death toll was given by Algerian authorities, but Algerian daily Ennahar, citing security sources, said at least 105 people were killed in the crash.
TV footage showed a huge plume of black smoke billowing from the plane wreckage.