Magharebia

Algeria will deploy one thousand policemen to enhance road safety and protect 25 swimming beaches in Algiers during the 2008 summer tourist season, the gendarmerie's public security chief said on Wednesday (June 18th). AFP quoted Commander Mohamed Hamiti as saying the gendarmerie has developed a plan to secure this "important tourist hub and destination for holidaymakers," adding that while Algeria's beaches have never been attacked by terrorists, security services recognise the threat posed by armed Islamist groups who reject women wearing bathing suits in public. Along with the 800 vehicles already in use by security forces, 70 motorcycles, 80 cars and three helicopters will be added to protect the beaches through September, El Moudjahid reported.