"After the adhesion of the GSPC [Salafists] to the Al Qaida organization and after our profession of allegiance to the lion of Islam, Osama Bin Laden, may God preserve him, it was completely necessary for the group to change its name to show the genuineness of the link between the holy warriors in Algeria and our brothers in Al Qaida," the Salafists said.

The change in name appeared to mark the absorption of the Salafists by Al Qaida. In September, Al Qaida's No. 2 Ayman Zawahiri announced the merger of the two groups, later confirmed by the Salafists.

"We had to consult with Sheik Osama Bin Laden, who gave his decision and orders," the Salafist statement said. "Now we call on all Muslims in Algeria and in the diaspora to give up the old name once and for all and to call themselves from now on Al Qaida Organization for the Countries of the Arab Maghreb."

Over the last two months, the Salafist Brigade issued statements that pledged loyalty to Bin Laden and called on him to assign operations to the Algerian-based group. The brigade, formed in 1998 by dissidents of the Armed Islamic Group, has been ordered by Zawahiri to target France, the United States and their allies.

In November, the Salafists, with an estimated strength of 400 operatives, launched its latest offensive against the Algerian regime. Arab diplomats said the organization has also been establishing cells in Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

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