120 terrorists killed since September in Algeria, says minister

Algerian interior minister Nourredine Yazid Zerhouni said 120 terrorists including senior members of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) have been killed since September.

• A total of 320 terrorists were arrested in less than six months including terror support activists along with 150 weapons recovered including Kalashnikovs, said Zerhouni in an official ceremony.
• According to the minister, the recovered weapons show that not all the terrorists possessed arms.
• He added that 22 terrorists led by Abdelmalek Droudkel nicknamed Musab Abdelouadoud surrendered to security forces. Of them, Ali Ben Touati nicknamed Amine Abu Tamime, leader of Al Ansar brigade of the Salafist Group.
• Zerhouni said security situation in Algeria is improving “thanks to the efforts of security forces including the army, the police and the National Gendarmerie.”
• He highlighted the reactivation of intelligence work which was efficient in field. “It achieved results of high quality in foiling terrorist attacks.”
• Speaking on Algeria’s presidential elections due to be held on April 9, Zerhouni said security measures were tightened up to ensure the safety of candidates and electors. “It will be full security coverage.”
• According to the minister, the number of policemen in Algeria is estimated at 160,000 while it is expected to reach 200,000 before 2010.
• “These measures are part of the president’s instructions to ensure full security coverage,” he said.