The Algerian security forces have killed 14 alleged terrorists in a few separate operations across the country, including a close aide to the leader of the Al-Qa’ida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb (QIOM), the Algerian daily Al-Khabar reported.
Four Islamists, including a person known only as Na’sr, were killed during a military operation in the Al-‘Uweid province. Na’sr joined the Salafist group, GSPC, in the early 1990s and was arrested later that decade. He was released in 2006 as part of the national reconciliation charter, but rejoined the organization under its new name QOIM in October 2007, Al-Khabar added.
Ten other Islamists were killed during military operations in the Boumerdes province. Four soldiers were wounded during the activities, which were conducted by ground and air units.
Meanwhile, as a result of the latest increase in the smuggling of illegal weapons into Algeria, the local Border Guard Division was ordered over the weekend to shoot any smuggler, who did not stop for inspection.
The Algerian security forces recently managed to thwart five smuggling operations, which included weapons and explosive devices. Security sources say the smugglers are selling the weapons to terrorist groups inside the country.