Algeria steps up security measures in Ghardaia

Death toll following violence acts in the town of Ghardaia (south of Algeria) Friday went up to 7 while 10 others were wounded in clashes between residents.

Taleb Ahmed Abdelaziz, 25, Bekai Abdou, 23, and Tahri Brahim, 31, were attacked by iron pieces, according to sources at the Terchine Ibrahim Hospital in Ghardaia.

Samples of their bodies were taken to a laboratory in Algiers to know where the iron pieces came from.

Echorouk has learnt that a troop of the National Popular Army is in charge of investigating in the type of arms used in the clashes.

The clashes raised panic among residents in nearby areas of Hadj Messaoud, Malika Mermad, Sidi Aabaz, Thenia, Bni Yezguen and Ain as they had witnessed violent skirmishes between Malikit and Ibadit partisans for three months.

Senior officials, the Army’s Chief of Staff Gaid Salah, the interim prime minister Youcef Yousfi, the interior minister Tayeb Belaiz, the National Gendarmerie’s commander Ahmed Boustila, the national police general inspector and the Gendarmerie’s regional commander in the province of Ouargula (south of Algeria) held a meeting in Ghardaia.

They met the victims’ families and a number of Malikit notables.

Residents called for a curfew and an immediate investigation in the events.

Belaiz said judicial and administrative investigations will be opened and security measures will be stepped up in Ghardaia until safety is restored.

All the vital facilities including bakeries, shops, schools and government institutions were closed on Sunday.