Algerian security forces are actively seeking out terrorist strongholds to prevent any attacks during the holy month of Ramadan.
Algerian army units are running military operations in al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) stronghold areas, especially in Kabylie where they are preparing for "a heavy confrontation" that may extend to the end of Ramadan.
Citizens watched on June 12th as large military forces began to conduct combing operations in mountainous areas in Tizi Ouzou province.
The operations coincided with visits by Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah to provinces classified as terrorist "hot zones", which may suggest operations in those provinces as well. Sources say Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will most likely discuss the operations at the inauguration ceremony for top officers during the country's Independence Day celebrations on July 5th.
Thus far, forces have managed to keep the situation in Kabylie under control since the police headquarters bombing in Tizi Ouzou and the Bordj Menaiel security centre bombing in 2011 as well as al-Qaeda's shift to kidnapping hostages for ransom in the region in recent months.
Since the beginning of June, army forces have been conducting combing operations in targeted areas on the border of Mizrana in Tizi Ouzou province, using military helicopters and air bombardment to penetrate hard to reach mountain heights.
Initial operations left five terrorists dead, and army forces managed to kill more in the Zemmouri Mountains southeast of Boumerdes and Yakouren. Various reports indicate that the operations have been successful: killing, arresting, or forcing terrorists to turn themselves in; dismantling support networks; disarming bombs; destroying hideouts; and combing areas to weed out any terrorist elements.
In parallel with army operations in Kabylie, Algerian security forces launched an operation targeting terrorist strongholds in the south along the border between Tebessa and El Oued provinces, managing to dismantle 20 traditional bombs. The same forces managed to destroy mountain hideouts and to seize large quantities of ammunition, supplies and clothing.
In response to a terrorist bomb explosion that killed one and injured four in the southern part of the province, the army in the fifth military district deployed personnel with advanced equipment for detecting landmines, security sources said.
In preparation for Ramadan, Algerian security agencies have beefed up reinforcements and training to respond to any terrorist attacks. They have focused on security around headquarters facilities to thwart any attempt by terrorists to avenge their many losses this year.
Those losses include the March killing of Bordj Menaiel brigade emir "Bouhr Mourad", who was involved in and number of crimes and responsible for recruiting 15-year-old Adel Lakhal, who left his house for the mountain before completing his secondary education.
"Terrorist elements have been dealt painful blows that enabled the counter-terrorism agencies to control their areas of operations and contain their threats," Algerian National Security (DGSN) chief Abdelghani Hamel told Wakt Eldjazair daily.
He explained that authorities managed to derail several criminal plans and intentions. During the period from July 2011 to April 2012 there were only two terrorist attacks in which explosives were used against police forces in Tizi Ouzou province, the main stronghold for AQIM.
Police are securing and controlling official border crossing points, including seaports, airports and land border crossings. Maximum personnel and technical equipment have been mobilised to install permanent security checkpoints, Hamel said.
In addition, Algeria has deployed foot patrols along the border strip and specialists in fighting cross-border and organised crime. The Algerian police, Hamel said, will realise full security coverage between 2014 and 2015.
© Magharebia.com 2012
