ANP forces thwart smuggling of 40 rockets from Libya to Illizi

Reliable sources told Echorouk that forces of the National Popular Army (ANP) intercepted on Tuesday two truck-loads of rockets smuggled from Libya towards the Illizi area in South-Eastern Algeria.

The same sources added that special ANP task units backed by helicopters and on the basis of reliable information about the weapons’ smuggling operation  carried out by a terrorist ring active in the region, swiftly intervened and seized over 40 missiles.

The heavy weaponry retrieved by the ANP forces included Katyusha rockets as well as 10 and 17 surface to air missiles of the “Strela type”,  according to the same sources.

This load of weapons was destroyed on the spot in addition to two four – wheel drive vehicles used by the smugglers and terrorists involved whose identification is now underway by the relevant security services.

The terrorist group involved in this thwarted arms smuggling operation is believed to belong to the so-called “Southerners Movement for Justice” headed by a local terrorist chieftain called Abdul Salam Tarmone.

This terrorist group, now active in the region, is also said to be intent on launching selected operations targeting military installations in the southern part of the country.