Algeria, Mauritania Coordinate Efforts on Cross-Border Terrorism

Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha
Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha
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Algeria, Mauritania Coordinate Efforts on Cross-Border Terrorism

Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha
Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha

Algerian Army Chief of Staff Said Chengriha has called on his Mauritanian counterpart, Major General Mohamed Bamba Meguett, to coordinate efforts in facing regional security challenges and strengthening cooperation on the border of the countries of the Sahel region.

Terrorism, smuggling, and the arms trade have been active in the Sahel countries since the outbreak of the Libyan crisis in 2011.

Chengriha received the Mauritanian Chief of Staff who is in Algeria for the first time on a three-day visit, according to a statement issued by the Algerian Defense Ministry.

Chengriha said that boosting military cooperation is crucial to meet security challenges. He noted that both military establishments should consider means to enable the armies to carry their duties in such a situation fraught with dangers and threats.

It is feasible to make greater use of the available security cooperation mechanisms, especially the Joint Military Staff Committee, which will help in exchanging information and coordinating actions, according to the Commander.

He underlined his country’s desire to boost the bilateral military relations to face the various security challenges that threaten the Maghreb and Sahel regions.

Chengriha indicated that Meguett's visit is an opportunity to enhance the cooperation between both armies in areas of common interest, and will allow the development of bilateral relations.

The Mauritanian official discussed with Algerian military and security commanders the developments in the Guerguerat crossing, especially clashes between Moroccan forces and Polisario Front soldiers.

They also addressed intelligence collaboration against extremism, human trafficking, as well as goods, drugs and weapons smuggling across the border.

The Joint Military Staff Committee was established in 2009 in Tamanrasset, southern Algeria.

It includes the chiefs of staff of the armies of Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Algeria. It was launched to confront terrorism threats from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and its affiliates.

The committee doesn’t pursue terrorist groups in the desert, which the four Saharan governments are unable to monitor.

Its weakness was evident when France took the lead in launching a war on terrorism in northern Mali in early 2013, instead of the armies of the four countries.

Security observers believe that there is no point for the committee to meet, given its inaction.

Security affairs experts agree that the Joint Committee is a doomed project, claiming that the four leaders promoted the initiative while they were not prepared to face the serious security challenges of militias.

When it was first launched, the project was expected to carry out military operations in extremist strongholds. However, that wasn’t the case.

Observers also say that the ongoing war in Mali between the local government and extremists has finally put an end to this project.

A spokesman for the Algerian Foreign Ministry told Asharq Al-Awsat earlier that the Joint Staff Committee was created to exchange information and coordinate security efforts, and the aim was never to launch military operations.

He also denied that the project was terminated after the French military intervention, stressing that it is still effective.



Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon

Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
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Trump Victory Fuels Fears of Netanyahu’s Increased Freedom in Lebanon

Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)
Smoke rises from Beirut’s southern suburbs following Israeli attacks. (AFP)

Lebanese are watching closely after Donald Trump’s election as US president, hoping his policies might bring solutions to regional crises and possibly halt wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Observers caution, however, that change won’t be immediate or at Israel’s expense; instead, they expect Israel could have more military leeway before peace efforts begin.

Trump didn’t outline his plans to end conflicts during his victory speech, only briefly mentioning the issue.

Fares Soeid, a former Lebanese MP, called Trump’s win a potential global turning point, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East. Soeid believes Trump’s support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s far-right may intensify.

Soeid told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s election could hasten military actions on the Lebanese-Israeli border, allowing Netanyahu more freedom to secure military objectives and strengthen Israel’s negotiating position.

He suggested key UN resolutions intended to control arms in Lebanon may lose focus, with the goal shifting to place all weapons under state control.

There is concern in Lebanon over any change to Resolution 1701, which maintains the ceasefire with Israel.

Soeid clarified that Trump might not scrap these resolutions outright but could push for tighter arms restrictions, ensuring only Lebanon’s government holds power over weapons.

He believes the US may aim to create a cohesive Lebanese leadership to enforce these measures, essentially enabling Netanyahu more flexibility in regional matters.

The US election drew intense interest in Lebanon, with citizens and officials closely tracking the campaigns and vote results, hoping for a positive shift.

Lebanese politician Khaldoun Sharif noted that Trump reached out to Lebanese Americans during his campaign, promising to bring peace to Lebanon quickly.

He sees Trump’s advisor, Lebanese-born Massad Boulos, as potentially instrumental in highlighting Lebanon’s needs to the new administration.

Sharif criticized the outgoing Democratic administration’s handling of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, saying it failed to curb Netanyahu’s plans despite multiple ceasefire proposals.

As Trump prepares to take office on January 20, Sharif emphasized that Lebanon is eager for a complete ceasefire, adherence to Resolution 1701, a consensus-backed president, and a transparent, reform-oriented government to rebuild trust with Arab nations and the international community.

Sharif voiced disappointment that past US administrations have often overlooked Lebanon’s significance.

Now, amid a severe conflict, he hopes Trump will act swiftly to end the violence, support reconstruction, and restore Lebanon’s standing on the regional stage.