A freelance journalist was shot on Friday afternoon in Baghlia, a town 60 kilometers east of the capital, Algiers, Reuters reported.

According to the news agency, Ahmed Nezar was a correspondent for several local French newspapers. While the reason for his killing is still not known, Reuters said “the killing revived memories of the 1990s when journalists were routinely targeted by Islamist insurgents fighting government security forces.”

Nezar’s death comes after a recent spike in attacks by Islamist insurgents against state security forces, Reuters reported.

“Our condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of Ahmed Nezar,” said IPI Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. “We urge the authorities to undertake a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding Nezar’s death, and bring those responsible to justice.”