France opens criminal investigation into 2013 Tiguentourine attack

The French Justice has decided to spearhead a judicial inquiry for manslaughter into the ill-fated taking of hostages by a terrorist group led by terror chieftain Mokhtar Belmokhtar, which took place three years ago, at the In Amenas gas compound in the southern Algerian province of Illizi.

The French move came despite the salutary actions of the brave Algerian soldiers who foiled this terrorist attack as they were extolled by many countries, even those who lost hostages.

The latter paid a vibrant tribute for the military know-how and professionalism the ANP troops displayed in dealing with the intricate situation in Tinguentourine.

This act of bravery by the Algerian military has strengthened the ties of solidarity with the people thereby further bolstering national cohesion and sparked an echo of national pride and admiration, for the ANP soldiers, from the people as dutiful heirs of the glorious Mujahideen or freedom-fighters of the ALN liberation Army during the lofty November 1954 Revolution.

The valiant ANP troops, who are very experienced in counter-terrorism operations, tackled this hostage-taking with perfect skill by eliminating all the terrorists involved in the heinous attack and managed to free 700 staff of the gas site including scores of Algerians and foreigners.

Observers wonder to this effect what is prompting France to reopen such a three-year old file? Some will say that the latter has likewise not wavered to “resuscitate” the case of the seven Tibhirine Monks who died twenty years ago.

The French Justice calls into question the outcome of in-depth investigations carried out by the Algerian side into the ins and out of the Tinguentourine terror assault, claiming there were ostensibly security breaches according to the findings of a survey conducted in England which highlighted so-called “serious lapses” in terms of security measures enforced at the site.

The French Justice’s move is in response to a complaint lodged by the family of Mr Yann Desjeux, the only French victim in the Tinguentourine terrorist attack, which was filed in November 2015.