US Ambassador’s 9/11 Memorial Letter: Algeria a Leading Counterterrorism Nation

The US Ambassador to Algiers said in his 9/11 memorial letter Algeria was among the first countries to condemn the 11 September’s attacks, and to offer “sincere” condolences to Washington on that terrible day.

Ambassador Henry S. Ensher said the bilateral relations have been reinforced since the deadly attacks of 2011, stressing that the North African nation plays a pivotal role in the fight of terrorism, worldwide. 

“The US officials who have been visiting Algeria have conveyed the support of the United States to the bilateral efforts with Algeria in terms of countering terrorism and extremism,” Mr Ensher said, adding that “the United States is still seeing in Algeria a key strategic partner in counterterrorism.”

“The 9/11 attacks were a wake-up call for the United States,” the diplomat said, stressing that several countries endured terrorism, including Algeria, which suffered for a decay of terrorism causing an unjustified heavy death toll of 200 thousand.

The US Ambassador has further praised “the important” counterterrorism conference held a couple of days ago in Algiers. The conference reflected the efforts being made by Algeria with its regional partners to confront challenges which hassle extremism and terrorism in the Sahara region, including social problems, transnational organized crime scourge, comparing with limited capacities of countries of the region to deal efficiently with terror and criminal groups, he mentioned.

Mr Ensher said in his commemorative letter that the US is commitment to consistently work with partners around the world to confront and fight “violent extremists,” adding that “we will defeat, for all, recruitment, training and financing capacities of terror groups.” 

“Terrorists failed to achieve their goals, as‭ individuals, communities and states have proved that they are stronger than fear,” he concluded.