Terrorists blackmail farmers in Algeria

More than 20 complaints were lodged by farmers in the province of Boumerdes (50 km east of Algiers) against strangers for spoiling their harvests.

• Investigations showed that most of the farmers were blackmailed by terrorists to gain what they call ‘Zakat’ after every harvest.
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• Those operations were the main source of funding and money collection to buy weapons. The spoilt harvests were fig trees which were cut before becoming fresh.
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• Terrorists in the areas of Thenia, Lekkata, Bordj Menaiel, Nassiria, Baghlia and Sidi Daoud threatened to spoil the farmers’ harvests if they did not pay money for them.
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• Previously, a large number of olive trees were cut and burnt in many villages.
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• Sources said tens of farmers’ harvests were spoilt but they did not fill a lawsuit fearing of terrorists.
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• Farmers in isolated areas asked for ensuring their safety and the safety of their belongings.