Encouraging anti-terrorism news marks start of election season in Algeria

2009-03-03

To build confidence about Algerian security ahead of the presidential elections, Interior Minister Zerhouni disclosed details about the government's counter-terror successes.

By Said Jameh for Magharebia in Algiers – 03/03/09

[Getty Images] Algerian security forces have killed or caught more than 400 members of al-Qaeda since August 2008.

In the weeks leading up to the April 9th presidential elections, the Algerian government is reviewing its counter-terrorism policies and taking precautionary measures to ensure the security of voters and polling stations during the high-profile event.

Since the suicide bombing of a police academy in Issers in August 2008 that left more than 40 dead, Algerian security forces have reportedly killed 136 members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. According to Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni, this figure includes a number of senior commanders from within the terrorist network.

Speaking to the press on Monday (March 2nd), Zerhouni said that 16 terrorists were killed Saturday night during military operations in Laarbaa, west of Algiers.

In a related statement, the minister said some 322 others have been arrested and 150 weapons confiscated since the Issers bombing. An additional 22 terrorists turned themselves in, to benefit from the national reconciliation measures adopted by President Bouteflika in March 2006.

Zerhouni's announcements offer more detail than usual, as the administration often keeps figures pertaining to security under wraps.

The minister also said that many of the terrorists were captured without weapons, suggesting the organisation's equipment and funding problems run deeper than previously suspected.

Furthermore, many of the government's successful counter-terror operations depended on intelligence provided by dissenters.

Zerhouni praised the security forces for adopting "a new technique... through the penetration and infiltration of terrorist groups".

The al-Qaeda movement in Algeria has lost several key commanders in recent months. One successful operation took place on February 5th, when Special Forces killed Omar Ben Titraoui, alias Yahia Abou Khaitima, Emir of the Fatah brigade in Boumerdes. The Fatah brigade, which relies on blackmail and extortion for financing, is one of the pillars of al-Qaeda in Algeria.

Also grabbing attention in recent weeks is the widespread response to GSPC commander Hassan Hattab's call for terrorists to lay down their arms. The most notable taker so far is Ali Ben Touati, Emir of the Al-Ansar brigade, who surrendered in late January.

Last month, El Khabar reported that 17 other followers of Hassan Hattab had turned themselves in under the Peace and Reconciliation Charter.

Security expert Hamd Yacine said Zerhouni's progress report is likely intended to show the Bouteflika administration's ongoing progress in the fight against terrorism, and to make citizens feel safe about the conditions on Election Day.

Dja'far, an employee in a national bank, expressed relief at Zerhouni's remarks. He told Magharebia the news of government success gives him hope for Algeria's security during the elections.

A-Qaeda claimed responsibility for nine attacks in February, including the February 22nd killing of nine security guards near Ziama Mansouriah in Jijel province and a fatal ambush on three off-duty soldiers in Bordj Menail, Boumerdes.