Security Forces Seize Arms, Ammunition Cache in Eastern Algeria

Algeria, Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Major-General Said Chengriha (AP)
Algeria, Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Major-General Said Chengriha (AP)
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Security Forces Seize Arms, Ammunition Cache in Eastern Algeria

Algeria, Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Major-General Said Chengriha (AP)
Algeria, Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Major-General Said Chengriha (AP)

An arms and ammunition cache was seized in Bouira, southeast of the Algerian capital, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday.

In a press statement, the Ministry said four sub-machine guns, four ammunition tanks, as well as 55 conventional bombs and 20 kilograms of TNT explosives were seized on Monday.

Bouira is the major terror stronghold in Algeria, and until recently it was a base for extremist groups, mainly the Salafi Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC).

The GSPC was transformed in 2007 into al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), led by Abdelmalek Droukdel, also know as Abu Musab Abdul Wadud.

Algeria’s counter-terrorism units killed three armed militants in April, arrested one and five other support elements for terrorist groups.

They also destroyed 22 hideouts of terrorist groups.

During his visit to the Third Military Region, southwestern Algeria, Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Major-General Said Chengriha stressed that the new stage requires soldiers to act as successful leaders, who must impose their presence in the battlefield.

“Professionalism is one of the most important criteria for evaluating cadres in the People's National Army,” he noted.

The region visited by the senior military commander is a hotbed of smugglers and drug traffickers.

Chengriha said the professionalism sought among army soldiers and officers is what makes the principle of dedication to work the only approach and best mean to attain the highest ranks.



UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
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UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

UK premier Keir Starmer told Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that any peace process in the Middle East should pave the way for a Palestinian state, Downing Street said.

The two leaders held a call that focused on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a UK government spokesperson said.

During the conversation, "both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability", the British readout of the call added.

"The prime minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."

Starmer also "reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it", the statement added.

Starmer "offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari", the statement added.

"To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict," Starmer added, according to the statement.

A truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war in Gaza came into effect on Sunday.

The first part of the three-phase deal should last six weeks and see 33 hostages returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.