Unofficial estimates indicate that 200 Algerians have joined IslamicState (ISIS).

 2014-11-14

Algeria sends troops to southern frontier

By Walid Ramzi in Algiers for Magharebia – 14/11/2014

To protect Algeria from ISIS, MUJAO and other security threats, military forces are focused on the borders with Niger and Mali.

Algeria is turning attention to its southern borders.

The growing threat of penetration by traffickers, as well as by terrorists from the Islamic State (ISIS), the MUJAO and other groups, spurred the heightened attention to the Niger and Mali frontiers.

Algeria over the last few months bolstered its security presence along the borders with Libya and Tunisia, sending at least 3,000 additional soldiers to the east.

This latest deployment, however, was to Adrar province, adjacent to Mali.

Military authorities sent 4,500 special operations and infantry forces to repel any infiltration attempts in Bordj Badji Mokhtar.

The army command also reportedly hired 218 Bedouin and Touareg footprint trackers to support troops protecting the 1,800-kilometre long southern border between Mali and Niger, in Tamanrasset and Adrar provinces. This is in addition to flying night sorties to track terrorists' suspicious movements.

The decision was made after the army command received a report indicating an alarming increase of terrorism-related crimes. The report talked about violent, international networks engaged in smuggling arms and individuals along the Mali border, as well as in Tamanrasset and Illizi.

Army forces stationed on the borders recently thwarted infiltration attempts by terrorists.

The latest operation on Saturday (November 8th) netted al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) figure Ouhli Abdurrahman, alias Abou Alqama al-Nidjiri.

During the action in Bordj Badji Mokhtar, ANP troops killed several terrorists. Dozens more have been eliminated in recent months.

The security measures implemented on the borders came in the wake of warnings about the possible infiltration of pro-Islamic State (ISIS) elements into Algeria.

Several recent arrests indicate that the threat may come from anywhere. Algerian authorities recently dismantled a 15-member cell engaged in recruiting fighters for terrorist groups operating inside and outside Algeria.

Interpol warned Algeria to be on the lookout for suspected ISIS fighters that may cross international borders, El Khabar reported.

Unofficial estimates indicate that 200 Algerians have joined ISIS. Official figures put the number at 80.

But according to a military official, Algeria has taken all necessary measures to prevent any infiltration by ISIS.

"Algeria's southern and eastern borders are secure," said Brig. Gen. Mohamed Saleh Asrik of the ANP Chiefs of Staff Command.