Algeria Arrests 11 Supporters of Extremist Groups

Algerian police forces simulate storming a building in which terrorists are hiding. (Ministry of Defense)
Algerian police forces simulate storming a building in which terrorists are hiding. (Ministry of Defense)
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Algeria Arrests 11 Supporters of Extremist Groups

Algerian police forces simulate storming a building in which terrorists are hiding. (Ministry of Defense)
Algerian police forces simulate storming a building in which terrorists are hiding. (Ministry of Defense)

Algeria’s Defense Ministry launched several security and military operations across the country this week.

It announced in an operational report arresting 11 people suspected of supporting extremist groups.

It also thwarted the smuggling of 1,368 kilograms of drugs across the western borders and seized nine other kilograms in separate operations.

The Ministry stated that the army has launched many operations to confront organized crime and underlined the great efforts to address drug trafficking.

According to the report, 28 drug dealers were arrested during the same period in the second (west) and third (southwest) military districts.

This comes in line with the ministry’s continuous efforts to confront terrorism and all forms of organized crimes.

Security forces also arrested 83 people suspected of smuggling illegal substances, and seized 21 vehicles, 104 electricity generators, 47 pressure hammers, five metal detectors, explosives and explosive devices, and other equipment used in illegal gold mining operations in Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, In Guezzam and Djanet areas on the border with Mali and Niger.

The Ministry also arrested nine other people and confiscated 10 hunting rifles, 13,000 packets of cigarettes and 31 tons of foodstuffs that were packed for smuggling in Ouargla, El Oued, In Guezzam (south) and Batna and Khenchela (east).

The border guards, in cooperation with the national gendarmerie, thwarted attempts to smuggle huge quantities of fuel, estimated at 32,740 liters, from several areas in the south and east of the country.

A part of efforts to thwart illegal migration, the coast guards thwarted attempts to smuggle people and rescued 48 people on traditional boats, while 280 undocumented migrants of different nationalities were arrested across the country.

The Ministry said the results of these operations reflect the high level of professionalism, vigilance and constant readiness of the Algerian armed forces.



Syrian Factions Appoint Ahmad Al-Sharaa as Transitional Leader

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
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Syrian Factions Appoint Ahmad Al-Sharaa as Transitional Leader

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)
A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on January 29, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa giving a speech in Damascus. (Photo by SANA / AFP)

The new Syrian administration announced on Wednesday the appointment of Ahmad Al-Sharaa as interim president, following the overthrow of former president Bashar Al-Assad more than a month ago.

Al-Sharaa has been entrusted with forming a legislative council to oversee the transition after the dissolution of the People’s Assembly and the suspension of the 2012 Constitution.

According to the official Syrian news agency (SANA), military administration spokesperson Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani stated that Al-Sharaa would assume the functions of the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic and represent it in international forums.

He added that Al-Sharaa had been authorized to form a temporary legislative council that would remain in place until a permanent constitution is drafted and enacted, with all exceptional laws suspended.

The announcement did not specify the duration of the transitional period or provide details on the national dialogue conference, which the new administration had previously pledged to organize. However, the administration introduced significant political and security reforms, including the dissolution of all security agencies affiliated with the former Assad regime and the establishment of a new security institution.

The Baath Party and all other National Progressive Front parties were also disbanded, along with their affiliated organizations and committees. A ban was imposed on reestablishing these parties under any new name, and their assets were transferred to the state. Additionally, all military factions, revolutionary political bodies, and civil organizations were merged into state institutions.

Speaking at the Syrian Revolution Victory Conference, Al-Sharaa outlined his priorities, emphasizing the need to fill the power vacuum, maintain civil peace, build state institutions, revive the economy, and restore Syria’s regional and international standing.

He described Damascus as a wounded and humiliated mother, bleeding yet defiant, calling on her people to save their nation. He stressed that while liberation was a crucial step, the true challenge now lay in rebuilding and advancing Syria.

Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani underscored the administration’s commitment to establishing a Syria founded on freedom, justice, and national dignity, where all citizens feel a deep sense of belonging and sacrifice for their homeland.

He emphasized that the new leadership was focused on reassuring the international community and clearly presenting Syria’s vision for the future. Strengthening ties with Arab nations and enhancing regional cooperation were also key priorities, alongside efforts to contribute to peace in a region weighed down by decades of conflict.

Al-Shibani further announced that the administration had successfully negotiated exceptions and suspensions to US and EU sanctions, a move expected to accelerate Syria’s economic recovery and attract international support.