Algiers: International Airport security beefed up

Algeria’s Borders Police have ordered to step up surveillance at the International Airport of Algiers to foil any terrorist attack or a smuggling attempt.

• The instructions stipulate that all people must be inspected “whoever they are” as well as documents especially passports. Different departments at the airport have been provided with judicial policemen to intervene if an emergency occurs.
• Surveillance cameras have been set up in many angles and police dogs have been mobilised to face arms dealing, drugs and bombs smuggling.
• An official at the Police Department told Echorouk that there is no tangible plan that the International Port of Algiers would be targeted by terrorists. “Yet, we have taken preventive measures to face any criminal act.”
• In the end of summer, a large number of Algerian emigrants started coming back to the countries where they live. A long queue is noticed at the main entrance of the airport and everyone is inspected by the scanner. Policemen are deployed to keep watch there and organise the queue.
• Suspicious people are inspected in a special small room in front of the scanner. Policewomen are in charge of inspecting women passengers.
•  Echorouk has learnt from a security source that policemen at the airport are ordered to hide their guns to “avoid any stealing attempt and using guns in an attack inside the aircraft.”
• They are also not allowed to use mobile phones at work and any mistake or negligence is not tolerated. “It is a matter of Algeria’s image and reputation,” said the same source.