Terrorist Surrenders in Southern Algeria as Army Dismantles MAK-Linked Cell
Algeria’s armed forces said a terrorist surrendered in Bordj Badji Mokhtar while military intelligence dismantled a six-member cell linked to the MAK movement in Tizi Ouzou, as security operations also resulted in major drug seizures, arrests of illegal miners and the interception of irregular migration attempts.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria’s armed forces announced on Wednesday that a terrorist had surrendered to military authorities in the country’s far south, while security services dismantled a criminal cell linked to the movement designated by Algeria as a terrorist organization, underscoring ongoing counterterrorism operations across the country.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, the individual, identified as F.B., alias “Khaled,” surrendered to military authorities in Bordj Badji Mokhtar, within the 6th Military Region, carrying a Kalashnikov assault rifle, ammunition and other equipment.
The ministry added that the Army’s central security services dismantled a six-member criminal group in Tizi Ouzou, including four Moroccan nationals, which authorities said was affiliated with the MAK (Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie), an organization classified by Algeria as terrorist.
Large Drug Seizures
Separately, the military reported continued operations targeting organized crime and drug trafficking.
Joint army units, working alongside other security agencies, arrested 38 suspected drug traffickers and foiled attempts to smuggle 1,187 kilograms of cannabis resin originating from Morocco. Security forces also seized 6.74 kilograms of cocaine, 410,485 psychotropic tablets, and 108.68 kilograms of psychotropic substances during operations conducted across several military regions.
Illegal Mining and Smuggling Operations
In southern Algeria, military detachments operating in Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, In Salah, In Guezzam and Djanet arrested 282 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal gold mining activities.
Authorities said they confiscated 20 vehicles, 225 generators, 103 jackhammers, six metal detectors, quantities of raw gold-bearing material and stones, as well as equipment used in unauthorized mining operations.
In separate anti-smuggling operations, security forces arrested an additional 20 individuals, seizing two automatic pistols, three hunting rifles, 27,395 litres of fuel, and 11.7 tonnes of food products allegedly intended for illicit cross-border trade.
Irregular Migration
The operational report also stated that the Coast Guard intercepted several attempts at irregular maritime migration, rescuing 341 people travelling aboard makeshift boats.
Elsewhere across the country, authorities arrested 940 irregular migrants of various nationalities, according to the military’s latest operational assessment.
The figures were released as part of the People’s National Army’s weekly operational update outlining counterterrorism, anti-trafficking and border security activities conducted nationwide.
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