Terrorism, revenge and poverty behind kidnappings grow: security study

A recent security study on kidnapping phenomenon in Algeria calls for counting jobless young people in the eras the largest number of abductions was recorded.

•  The same study urged to prepare a psychological research on post-terrorism generation to ensure their integration in the society by establishing listening cells in popular regions and isolated areas. This procedure would protect them from using crime kidnapping to gain easy money.
• The study identifies causes of insecurity in some areas, which are classified among strongholds of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC).  It also deals with its link to economic situation and growing number of businessmen and building contractors.
• The study pointed out the evolution of this terrorist group’s methods since Hassan Hattab was the leader until the current one Abou Mosab Abdelwadoud nicknamed Abdelmalek Droudkel as well as criminal gangs exploiting security situation under the guise of terrorism.
• A number of proposals was presented including the need to tighten up penalties on perpetrators and build a social policy to fight poverty and delinquency.
• Social situation encourages kidnappings for money
• The study linked this phenomenon spread to recent economic boom situation in due to growing number of businessmen and building contractors after the Algerian market opening especially in eastern Algeria.
• On the other hand, it indicates the reflection of social status on a category of young people who suffer from unemployment, marginalization and exclusion. That encourages them to carry out kidnappings for ransoms under the guise of terrorism.
• Security investigation found out that about 5,000 unidentified SIM cards are circulating in mobile phones market and terrorists were using them only for kidnappings. Security forces had identified some suspicious calls.