Belaiz: our borders are protected thanks to army

Algerian interior minister Tayeb belaiz said all the borders are secured and protected thanks to the National Popular Army. This comes amid reported warnings of new terror attacks on Algeria and Tunisia following the death of terrorist Lokmane Abu Sakhr.

“Our borders are secured and protected thanks to big efforts made by the National Popular Army. I seize the opportunity to hail them and express our moral support to them,” the minister told Echorouk on Thursday.

Asked about vacant prefect positions, Belaiz told journalists there might be a reshuffle. “There may be a delay in naming official prefects. There might be a simple reshuffle in some provinces.”

Speaking about anti-shale gas protests in In Salah, the minister said authorities and President Bouteflika follow the issue. “Some residents stand up for hours everyday then they come back home. I am following all what is happening there. A planned strategy will be applied to restore calm.”