Algerian Army Accuses Hirak Activists of ‘Implementing Zionist Scheme’

Students demonstrate in Algiers to call for change on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AFP)
Students demonstrate in Algiers to call for change on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AFP)
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Algerian Army Accuses Hirak Activists of ‘Implementing Zionist Scheme’

Students demonstrate in Algiers to call for change on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AFP)
Students demonstrate in Algiers to call for change on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (AFP)

Tension in Algeria between protesters and the army has peaked, especially after the military leadership accused activists of “implementing a Zionist scheme against Algeria.”

Observers expect tight security measures on Friday, three weeks after the resumption of demonstrations after a halt caused by a coronavirus lockdown imposed by the government in March 2020.

In its March edition, the military magazine published an article in which it expressed strong indignation and opposition to slogans raised in the latest protest movement, known as Hirak.

It highlighted the slogans demanding a civil state and rejecting a military state, stressing that the country’s rivals, whether individuals, organizations, or countries, take every chance to assault the country, in an attempt to undermine the bond between Algerians and the army.

The Djeich magazine recalled pro-army chants during mass protests that forced Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019 after two decades in power.

However, this relation soon turned into rage after the former army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, insisted to hold presidential elections, which faced popular rejection.

According to the magazine, the state’s enemies have been preparing to invest maliciously in the Hirak through an electronic war.

There are more than 500 web pages run from abroad, and at least 20 Zionist-run pages, that promote publications against the authority and the army and spread false news and rumors.

In this fiery speech, the military bulletin meant other slogans against the army and intelligence generals, who are facing charges of torturing demonstrators.

Salah said Chengriha supervises this military bulletin, which tackles political events and responds to “enemies” without providing any proof that a party is involved in “conspiracies against Algeria.”

The magazine further accuses Hirak activists of adopting slogans formerly raised by the local Islamic Front and its terrorist arms, in an attempt to harm the People's National Armed Forces and affect the historical bond with Algerians.

Meanwhile, Algerian President Abelmadjid Tebboune has set June 12 for early legislative elections, the presidency said on Thursday.

The upcoming election of the lower house of the national assembly would be held on the basis of a new electoral law, which Tebboune also ratified on Thursday, the statement added.



6 Killed in Israeli Drone Strike in Lebanon Near Eastern Border with Syria

Smoke billowing above the Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil during Israeli bombardment. (AFP)
Smoke billowing above the Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil during Israeli bombardment. (AFP)
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6 Killed in Israeli Drone Strike in Lebanon Near Eastern Border with Syria

Smoke billowing above the Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil during Israeli bombardment. (AFP)
Smoke billowing above the Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil during Israeli bombardment. (AFP)

Six people were killed and two injured in Lebanon on Saturday in an Israeli drone strike in the area of Janata near the eastern border with Syria, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it struck “Hezbollah operatives” who “were operating in a strategic weapons manufacturing and storage site” belonging to the group.

Israel has continued to launch near-daily strikes on what it says are Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon since the implementation of a ceasefire agreement in late November that ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.

The ceasefire document stipulates that both Israel and Lebanon maintain the right to act in “self defense” but does not define what qualifies as self defense.

The original 60-day deadline for implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement expired in late January, but Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend it until Feb. 18.