Algeria Intensifies Security Crackdown: 3 Terrorists Neutralized, 53 Drug Traffickers Arrested, and Smuggling Rings Dismantled

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

National Army operations from May 15 to 20 eliminate terror threats, block major narcotics routes, and thwart illegal immigration attempts across the country

Algiers, Algeria | May 22nd, 2025 —  In a sweeping campaign to safeguard national security and dismantle organized crime networks, units of the Algerian People’s National Army (ANP) carried out a series of decisive operations across the national territory between May 15 and May 20. According to the ANP’s operational report issued on Wednesday, three terrorists were neutralized in the provinces of Khenchela and Aïn Defla, and 10 individuals supporting terrorist groups were arrested during tactical raids.

During these counterterrorism operations, ANP detachments successfully seized four Kalashnikov-type submachine guns, a semi-automatic Simonov rifle, a cache of ammunition, and other combat-related items. The arrest of support elements reflects the army’s ongoing intelligence-led efforts to dismantle logistics and recruitment chains tied to extremist cells.

In parallel, Algeria continues to confront the scourge of transnational drug trafficking, particularly along its western border with Morocco. Joint detachments of the ANP, in coordination with other security services, intercepted 53 drug traffickers and foiled attempts to smuggle 204 kilograms of processed cannabis into the country. The seized narcotics were traced back to trafficking networks operating across the Moroccan frontier.

Further operations resulted in the seizure of 30.4 kilograms of cocaine and a staggering 175,830 psychotropic tablets. These efforts highlight the unrelenting resolve of Algerian authorities to protect the population from the destabilizing impact of narcotics proliferation.

Anti-smuggling and illicit mining raids in Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, In Salah, In Guezzam, and Djanet led to the arrest of 139 individuals. ANP units confiscated 25 vehicles, 335 power generators, 138 jackhammers, quantities of crude gold mixed with rocks, explosives, detonation tools, and gold-mining equipment used in unlawful mining operations.

Simultaneously, 20 more individuals were apprehended in separate operations. Authorities confiscated four Kalashnikovs, a sniper rifle, an automatic pistol, 12 hunting rifles, and 4,160 liters of smuggled fuel.

The ANP’s maritime units also intervened along Algeria’s coastline, successfully preventing several illegal migration attempts. A total of 65 individuals aboard artisanal boats were rescued, and 299 undocumented migrants of various nationalities were detained across different regions of the country.

These operations underscore Algeria’s comprehensive and proactive approach to national security, rooted in firm military vigilance, coordinated law enforcement, and a resolute stance against terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migration.

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