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.



Lebanon's President Tells US Senior Official Israeli Occupation in Remaining Points Must End

Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
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Lebanon's President Tells US Senior Official Israeli Occupation in Remaining Points Must End

Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
Israeli soldiers stand near to a tank near Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, October 16, 2023. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday told US national security adviser Mike Waltz that it is necessary to end the Israeli occupation in the remaining points and complete the implementation of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Israeli troops withdrew on Tuesday from most of south Lebanon but Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel would temporarily remain in five points needed for its security, Reuters reported.

The Lebanese presidency said that Lebanon would consider any remaining Israeli presence on Lebanese land an occupation.

Israel had been due to withdraw by January 26, but this was extended to February 18 after it accused Lebanon of failing to enforce the terms. Lebanon at the time accused Israel of delaying its withdrawal.