Contacts Established With Runaway Abductors of Illizi Prefect to Surrender

Security services have established contacts with the three abductors of the released prefect of Illizi, Mohamed Laid Khelifi, ahead of surrendering in exchange of fair trial, official source said Sunday.

“The abductors are likely somewhere near border between Libya and Algeria,” the source said, adding that “the contacts are underway, and hopefully lead to successful result.” 

The contacts are established thanks to the mediation of an influent well known family in the region, plus some elders, the source indicated.

In fact, the three runaway kidnappers have been identified.

One of them, a practicing Muslim, contributed in the coming of the prefect to Deb Deb locality and was among the mass that received him.

Another one of was recognized at the moment of the abduction. He covered his face with a veil. It is about a youngster, whose criminal records include an absentia 20 year sentence, dating back to a couple of years ago. 

 However, the third kidnapper was the one who called the family members of the prefect, shorter after the abduction, to reassure them, the source added. 

It is not clear whether the wanted youngsters have formulated conditions in exchange of surrendering, according to the source.

Meanwhile, joint security forces are still conducting wide searching operation on the border with Libya, to arrest the abductors.