Senior terror activist surrenders in Algeria

A leading member of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) surrendered to security forces in the province of Tizi Ouzou (100 km east of Algiers) in the end of last week after 12 years of terrorist activities, Echorouk learnt from security sources.

• Ali Ben Touati nicknamed Abu Tamim Amine was the chief of Al Ansar brigade in the GSPC led by Abdelmalek Droudkel alias Abu Musab Abdelouadud.
• He joined the group in 1997 when it was led by Hassan Hattab. He held many positions before he had been appointed at the head of Al Ansar brigade in 2006, said the same sources.
• Al Ansar brigade which includes 60 members is the most important branch of the GSPC as it is considered as the ‘decision maker’ in it.
• He told security forces he was convinced in the credibility of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation.
• This comes as the GSPC’s former leader Hassan Hattab had washed hands of the suicide attacks which rocked Algeria and the killing of civilians.
• In October 2004, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika proposed the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation in attempt to end violence. It was approved in September 2006 via a popular referendum.
• Algeria witnessed a 10-year- violence wave in the 1990’s which killed about 200,000 people.