Algeria’s largest Islamic rebel group with ties to al Qaeda said it has appointed a new chief, known as an explosives expert, as it tries to regroup following the loss of key leaders in recent gun battles with authorities. “Thanks to God for the appointment of Abou Mossab Abdelouadoud as the emir of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) to replace martyr Nabil Sahraoui,” the GSPC said in an undated statement obtained by Reuters on Monday. Security sources said the information was credible. Full Story