Terrorism noticed a remarkable decline in the main strongholds of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat also called Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, under the leadership of Abdelmalek Droudkel (Abou Mosab Abdelouadoud) in both Boumerdes and Tizi Ouzou, east of Algiers, particularly in the recent weeks, since the terrorist attacks were limited to some traditional bombings targeting security patrols and which were weak, according to observers, and just attempts to confirm the continuity of the terrorist activity in the region.

• Observers to the security matter in Algeria think that the “calm” which characterized the terrorists’ main strongholds in the central areas is due to a series of intensive military operations carried out by the army for several months.
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• Previously, the military operations resulted in the elimination of many terrorists, including leaders in the GSPC or AQIM as well as the arrest of other terrorists.
• Observers also think that the terrorist group is seeking a tactical retreat to re-arrange its structures, particularly in light of the separation of many sub- battalions and battalions that are still active without a leader, after losing many of their fellows and leaders who either died or surrendered.
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• Droudkel suffered heavy losses after the elimination of Omar Ben Titraoui nicknamed Yahia Abou Khotheima, leader of Al Fatah battalion and Ali Ben Touati, nicknamed Amine Abou Tamim, leader of Al Ansar battalion who surrendered few months ago. The two were the strongest and most prominent leaders in his group.
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• Security sources said that Droudkel is restructuring his terrorist group on the basis of the recent attacks in Bejaia after a stable security period since the vast military operation in the mountains of Beni Kesila, summer 2006.
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• Observers think that Droudkel seeks to move towards areas that are more secured than the main strongholds in order to lift the siege imposed on it in the traditional strongholds which explains his efforts to activate the terrorist activity in the Metija as well as escalating attacks in the southern regions, particularly in Jijel, Tebessa and Skikda.
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• This calm coincides with the efforts made by Hassan Hattab (Abou Hamza), the former founder of the GSPC, accompanied by some assistants in order to persuade his fellows to stop the terrorist activities and benefit from the measures of the national reconciliation.
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• It seems that Hattab is in the “strong position” after the last speech of the president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who reiterated his adherence to continue the national reconciliation which will include complementary actions.
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• Observers see that these measures will inevitably include Hassan Hattab’s fellows in order to find solutions to their situation after they surrender, which confirms that Hattab’s moves are in “the right direction” and he can convince his fellows about the existence of “real” measures including comprehensive reconciliation.