Security measures stepped up ahead of Algeria elections

Algerian government has reinforced security measures as part of the presidential elections due to be held on April 9, few days before the end of the electoral campaign.

• “Security forces are ordered to be vigilant and observe all any suspicious acts in order to foil any terrorist attack,” a security official told Echorouk.
• “The so-called the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) led by Abdelmalek Droudkel nicknamed Abu Musab Abdelouadoud failed to affect the smooth running of the electoral campaign in Algeria,” said the same source.
• Security forces set up check points on all the routes leading to the capital Algiers along with patrols and bombs detectors.
• A police official said a large number of security agents were mobilised in civilian clothes in public places and sensitive areas.  “Many of them were equipped with bomb detectors to observe any suspicious attempts.”
• The army deployed soldiers in many villages and mountainous areas known for being the GSPC’s strongholds. Two helicopters are mobilised for exploration.