27 suspects involved in kidnapping of Frenchman in Algeria

A total of 27 persons are accused of being involved in the kidnapping of a French national who was executed by the so-called Jound Al Khilafa, Echorouk has learnt.

Fourteen of the suspects were identified. They are students at college. They were put under judicial surveillance and their passports were withdrawn.

According to the same sources, 20 batallions carry out large-scale military operations to chase the terrorist group in Tizi Ouzou and Bouira mountains.

The army forces conduct continuous shelling operations on suspicious areas. Strongholds were found surrounded.

A few days ago, Jound Al Khilafa led by Abdelmalek Guouri alias Khaled Abu Slimane held Hervé Gourdel as hostage in Tizi Ouzou. He was killed 24 hours later. The group is affiliated to ISIS.