INTERPOL’s Neptune Operation To Monitor Ports, Track Terrorists

INTERPOL has begun the process of inspecting and checking the identity of suspected travelers who are entering Algeria through its borders to identify potential terrorists during the summer season, in the largest operation that is known as “Neptune” for the protection and security of states against terrorism, through suing INTERPOL’s data base.

INTERPOL sent its agents to eight ports in the western Mediterranean region, including Algeria, to help local authorities examine passengers and identify potential terrorists during the summer season.

“The operation, code named “Neptune”, addresses the threats that are posed by the travels of foreign terrorist fighters who travel between North Africa and southern Europe on Mediterranean sea routes and persons, drug and firearms traffickers as well”, the International Police Organization said in a statement.

The same source notes that Algeria, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia as well, lead the “Neptune” operation with the support of INTERPOL, the World Customs’ Organization and the European Border Guard and Coastguard Agency that is known as “Frontex”.

During the first week of the operation, more than 350,000 searches in INTERPOL’s database led to the identification of four alleged foreign terrorist fighters and the discovery of the location of a missing person.

The host country monitors the identity of passengers and passport information withe the help of INTERPOL’s criminal database through its secure global network of police communications.

According to INTERPOL, stolen and falsified travel documents are a “key element” for the movement of terrorists, particularly foreign terrorist fighters who are returning from conflict zones.