New strategy to confront clandestine migration in eastern Algeria

Instructions have been given to security forces to tighten up surveillance on carpentry workshops suspected of making wooden boats to transport illegal migrants, according to the governor of Annaba province (east of Algeria) M. Ghazi.

• M. Ghazi confirmed that security investigations will also extend to supporters of illegal migration networks who provide boats, fuel and vests.
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• He mentioned that the work of security forces focuses on dismantling illegal immigration networks, which help the exacerbation of this phenomenon in Annaba.
• “The matter was expected in summer season on the basis that many illegal migrants use holidays as a cover to sail from non- guarded close and isolated shores,” he added.
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• Coast gourds in Annaba foiled 5 attempts of illegal migration to Sardinia Island during the first six months of 2008. A total of 102 men and 14 illegal migrants were arrested in the same period by the Gendarmerie of Anaaba. Four wooden boats and various sailing devices, clothing, equipment and foreign currency were seized as well.