Insurgency in the Maghreb (2002–present)
Encyclopedia
The Maghreb
(more specifically, Algeria
, Mauritania
and Morocco
) has been the subject of an insurgency
since 2002 waged by the neo-Khawarij Islamist militia, Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, or, GSPC. The GSPC allied itself with the Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb
against the Algerian government
.
This alliance created a division within the GSPC and led to the creation of the Free Salafist Group (GSL) another militant group opposing the Algerian government and Western interests. The conflict is a continuation of the Algerian Civil War
that ended in 2002, and has since spread to other neighboring countries. Even in major tourist countries like Morocco or Tunisia there is ongoing violence from the insurgency in all parts of the countries.
Algeria, Morocco, and other Maghreb states affected by the insurgency have been assisted in fighting Islamist militants by the United States
and the United Kingdom
since 2007, when Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara began.
of police and army personnel in its area, and also managed to expand into the Sahara
, where its southern division, led by Amari Saifi
(nicknamed "Abderrezak el-Para", the "paratrooper"), kidnapped a number of German tourists in 2003, before being forced to flee to sparsely populated areas of Mali
, and later Niger
and Chad
, where he was captured.
Some believe that El Para actually works for the Algerian government. By late 2003, the group's founder had been supplanted by the even more radical Nabil Sahraoui
, who announced his open support for al-Qaeda
, thus strengthening government ties between the U.S. and Algeria. He was reportedly killed shortly afterwards, and was succeeded by Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud
in 2004.
The GSPC has declared its intention to attack Algerian, French
, and American
targets. It has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
by the U.S. Department of State
, and similarly classed as a terrorist organization by the European Union
.
Yet certain observers have consistently argued that the claims about terrorist threats in the Sahara and an alliance between these groups and Al-Qaida are exaggerated, that certain key events were fabricated, and that much of the hype is the result of a campaign of deception and disinformation led by the Algerian government, and perpetuated by the media.
Maghreb
The Maghreb is the region of Northwest Africa, west of Egypt. It includes five countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara...
(more specifically, Algeria
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
, Mauritania
Mauritania
Mauritania is a country in the Maghreb and West Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, by Western Sahara in the north, by Algeria in the northeast, by Mali in the east and southeast, and by Senegal in the southwest...
and Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
) has been the subject of an insurgency
Insurgency
An insurgency is an armed rebellion against a constituted authority when those taking part in the rebellion are not recognized as belligerents...
since 2002 waged by the neo-Khawarij Islamist militia, Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, or, GSPC. The GSPC allied itself with the Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb
Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb
The Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, previously known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat is a radical Islamist militia which aims to overthrow the Algerian government and institute an Islamic state. To that end, it is currently engaged in an insurgent campaign.The group...
against the Algerian government
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
.
This alliance created a division within the GSPC and led to the creation of the Free Salafist Group (GSL) another militant group opposing the Algerian government and Western interests. The conflict is a continuation of the Algerian Civil War
Algerian Civil War
The Algerian Civil War was an armed conflict between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups which began in 1991. It is estimated to have cost between 150,000 and 200,000 lives, in a population of about 25,010,000 in 1990 and 31,193,917 in 2000.More than 70 journalists were...
that ended in 2002, and has since spread to other neighboring countries. Even in major tourist countries like Morocco or Tunisia there is ongoing violence from the insurgency in all parts of the countries.
Algeria, Morocco, and other Maghreb states affected by the insurgency have been assisted in fighting Islamist militants by the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
since 2007, when Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara began.
End of the Algerian civil war and initial militant activities
With the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria's decline, the GSPC was left as the most active rebel group, with about 300 fighters in 2003. It continued an assassination campaignAssassination campaign
An assassination campaign is a series of assassinations carried out to achieve a larger political goal.In the 19th century, Will of the People carried out a campaign of assassinations against high-ranking Russian leaders....
of police and army personnel in its area, and also managed to expand into the Sahara
Sahara
The Sahara is the world's second largest desert, after Antarctica. At over , it covers most of Northern Africa, making it almost as large as Europe or the United States. The Sahara stretches from the Red Sea, including parts of the Mediterranean coasts, to the outskirts of the Atlantic Ocean...
, where its southern division, led by Amari Saifi
Amari Saifi
Amari Saifi , also known under his aliases Abou Haidara or Abderrazak le Para, is one of the leaders of the Islamist militia Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat ....
(nicknamed "Abderrezak el-Para", the "paratrooper"), kidnapped a number of German tourists in 2003, before being forced to flee to sparsely populated areas of Mali
Mali
Mali , officially the Republic of Mali , is a landlocked country in Western Africa. Mali borders Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Its size is just over 1,240,000 km² with...
, and later Niger
Niger
Niger , officially named the Republic of Niger, is a landlocked country in Western Africa, named after the Niger River. It borders Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, Algeria and Libya to the north and Chad to the east...
and Chad
Chad
Chad , officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west...
, where he was captured.
Some believe that El Para actually works for the Algerian government. By late 2003, the group's founder had been supplanted by the even more radical Nabil Sahraoui
Nabil Sahraoui
Nabil Sahraoui , alias Mustapha Abou Ibrahim was an Algerian Islamist militant, and the head of the radical Groupe Salafiste pour la Prédication et le Combat from August 2003 until his death the following year.In 2003 he pleged allegiance as GSPC leader to Usama bin Ladin's Al Qaeda...
, who announced his open support for al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda
Al-Qaeda is a global broad-based militant Islamist terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden sometime between August 1988 and late 1989. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless army and a radical Sunni Muslim movement calling for global Jihad...
, thus strengthening government ties between the U.S. and Algeria. He was reportedly killed shortly afterwards, and was succeeded by Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud
Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud
Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud is the emir, or leader, of the Algerian Islamic militant group Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb , formerly the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat ....
in 2004.
The GSPC has declared its intention to attack Algerian, French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, and American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
targets. It has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
U.S. State Department list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations
"Foreign Terrorist Organization" is a designation of non-United States-based organizations declared terrorist by the United States Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act...
by the U.S. Department of State
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
, and similarly classed as a terrorist organization by the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
.
Yet certain observers have consistently argued that the claims about terrorist threats in the Sahara and an alliance between these groups and Al-Qaida are exaggerated, that certain key events were fabricated, and that much of the hype is the result of a campaign of deception and disinformation led by the Algerian government, and perpetuated by the media.
2002
- On May 5, 2002, 15 government soldiers are killed in an ambush near Tizi OuzouTizi OuzouTizi Ouzou is a city in Kabylia, Algeria, where it ranks second in population after Béjaïa. It is the capital and largest city of Tizi Ouzou Province and of Great Kabylia .-Etymology:The name comes from the Kabylian Berber Tizi n Uzezzu and is pronounced Tizuzzu, commonly...
, in the KabylieKabylieKabylie or Kabylia , is a region in the north of Algeria.It is part of the Tell Atlas and is located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Kabylia covers several provinces of Algeria: the whole of Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia , most of Bouira and parts of the wilayas of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Jijel,...
region of northern AlgeriaAlgeriaAlgeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
. About 50 members of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) were blamed for the assault. - On April 11, 2002, Ghriba synagogue bombingGhriba synagogue bombingThe Ghriba synagogue bombing was a deadly bombing carried out by Niser bin Muhammad Nasar Nawar in Tunisia on the El Ghriba synagogue.On April 11, 2002, a natural gas truck fitted with explosives drove past security barriers at the ancient Ghriba Synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba...
killed 22 (14 German tourists, five Tunisians, and two French nationals and the suicide bomber). - On June 23, 2002, militants killed 6 civilians in an attack on youths playing football near a bus station in Zeralda, near Algier.
- On July 17, 2002, militants killed 7 civilians in Ouled Allal, Bouira ProvinceBouira Province-Administrative divisions:It is made up of 12 districts and 45 communes or municipalities.-Districts:# Aïn Bessem# Bechloul# Bir Ghbalou# Bordj Okhriss# Bouïra# El Hachimia# Haïzer# Kadiria# Lakhdaria# M'Chedellah# Souk El Khemis...
. Bringing the death toll of the previous three days to 22. - On September 13, 2002, militants killed 11 civilians on a road in northern Algeria, Ain Defla ProvinceAïn Defla ProvinceAïn Defla is a wilaya in northern Algeria. It is located to the southwest of Algiers, the capital. Localities in Ain Delfa include Miliana, Hammam Righa, and Aïn Torki.-Administrative divisions:...
. The previous month, according to a toll compiled from press reports and official accounts, an estimated 140 people were killed in extremist violence, bringing to 1,070 the number of people who had been killed since the beginning of the year. - On September 19, 2002, 15 people are reported to have been arrested in KabylieKabylieKabylie or Kabylia , is a region in the north of Algeria.It is part of the Tell Atlas and is located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Kabylia covers several provinces of Algeria: the whole of Tizi Ouzou and Bejaia , most of Bouira and parts of the wilayas of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Jijel,...
under suspicion of providing money and logistical help to the GSPC - On October 2, 2002, militants killed 13 civilians in a remote village in western Algeria, in Ain Defla ProvinceAïn Defla ProvinceAïn Defla is a wilaya in northern Algeria. It is located to the southwest of Algiers, the capital. Localities in Ain Delfa include Miliana, Hammam Righa, and Aïn Torki.-Administrative divisions:...
.
2003
- On January 6, 2003, militants ambushed a military convoy in north-east Algeria killing 43 soldiers and wounding 19 others. Also militants attacked families near the capital, Algiers, killing 13 people.
- Between 22 February and 24 March 2003, the Free Salafist Group or GSL, a splinter group of the GSPC led by Amari SaïfiAmari SaifiAmari Saifi , also known under his aliases Abou Haidara or Abderrazak le Para, is one of the leaders of the Islamist militia Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat ....
(Abderrazak “El Para”), allegedly captures 32 European tourists in southern AlgeriaAlgeriaAlgeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
. On 13 May 2003, seventeen hostages are released and 2 militants are killed in a gun battle (not sure - the release also could have been a fake) in the Algerian desert. The remaining fighters, with fifteen hostages, flee to northern MaliMaliMali , officially the Republic of Mali , is a landlocked country in Western Africa. Mali borders Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Its size is just over 1,240,000 km² with...
. After receiving a purported €5 million ransom paid by the German government, the GSL/GSPC releases the fourteen remaining hostages on 19 August 2003. The fifteenth hostage, a German, died of heat exhaustion. - OMay 16 2003, 2003 Casablanca bombings2003 Casablanca bombingsThe 2003 Casablanca bombings were a series of suicide bombings on May 16, 2003, in Casablanca, Morocco. The attacks were the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country's history. 45 people were killed as a result of these attacks...
killed 45 including 12 suicide-bombers. - In September 2003, Nabil SahraouiNabil SahraouiNabil Sahraoui , alias Mustapha Abou Ibrahim was an Algerian Islamist militant, and the head of the radical Groupe Salafiste pour la Prédication et le Combat from August 2003 until his death the following year.In 2003 he pleged allegiance as GSPC leader to Usama bin Ladin's Al Qaeda...
was reported to have replaced Hassan HattabHassan HattabHassan Hattab is the founder and first leader of the Algerian Islamist rebel group Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat ....
as leader of the GSPC but other media reports have denied that any change has taken place. - On November 27, 2003, in MessadMessadMessad is a town in Algeria. It is about 180 miles south of Algiers. During the Roman period it was known as Castellum Dimmidi after the Romans under emperor Septimius Severus seized the settlement...
, Djelfa ProvinceDjelfa ProvinceDjelfa is a province of Algeria. Its capital is Djelfa.It was first established by the administrative reorganization of 1974, and is home to over 1.2 million inhabitants...
, Algeria, a well-known poet and member of the extended Royal Saudi family was killed and four others were injured in an apparent terrorist attack, according to press reports.
2004
- On May 2, 2004, it was reported that in the previous two days 7 members of the security forces, 6 civilians and 2 militants were killed in several locations: near Algier, and in the provinces of MedeaMédéa ProvinceMédéa is a province of Algeria. The capital is Médéa.-Administrative divisions:The province is divided into 19 districts , which are further divided into 64 communes or municipalities.-Districts:# Aïn Boucif# Aziz...
, BouiraBouira Province-Administrative divisions:It is made up of 12 districts and 45 communes or municipalities.-Districts:# Aïn Bessem# Bechloul# Bir Ghbalou# Bordj Okhriss# Bouïra# El Hachimia# Haïzer# Kadiria# Lakhdaria# M'Chedellah# Souk El Khemis...
and RelizaneRelizane ProvinceRelizane is a province of Algeria. Relizane is the capital. Other localities include Bendaoud, Bouzegza, Hamri, Kalaa, Mazouna and Zemmoura.-Administrative divisions:...
. - On May 18, 2004, two bombs exploded killing two soldiers and wounding 13 people, including four soldiers, in SetifSétif ProvinceSétif Province is a province in north-eastern Algeria. Its capital and largest city is Sétif, the next largest city is El Eulma. There is also the World Heritage Site of Djémila there.-Administrative divisions:...
in eastern Algeria. - On June 2, 2004, insurgents ambushed an Algerian military convoy in BéjaïaBéjaïa ProvinceBéjaïa is a province of Algeria. The capital city is Béjaïa. Gouraya National Park is there. A population of the endangered primate, Barbary Macaque is found within this the province's Gouraya National Park; this canid has a severely restricted and disjunctive range.-Administrative divisions:The...
in eastern Algeria, killing 10 soldiers and wounding 45 others. - On June 28, 2004, the army killed three Islamic extremists in a raid near the capital, Algiers.
- On September 20, 2004, militants killed 4 people at a roadblock they set up near Kalous in Bouira ProvinceBouira Province-Administrative divisions:It is made up of 12 districts and 45 communes or municipalities.-Districts:# Aïn Bessem# Bechloul# Bir Ghbalou# Bordj Okhriss# Bouïra# El Hachimia# Haïzer# Kadiria# Lakhdaria# M'Chedellah# Souk El Khemis...
. - On September 29, 2004, militants attacked a civil defense post near the city of Ain DeflaAïn DeflaAïn Defla |spring]]) is the capital city of Aïn Defla Province, Algeria. It is also a commune....
, killing 6 members of the civil defense force. - On October 22, 2004, militants attacked a vehicle near MedeaMedeaMedea is a woman in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, niece of Circe, granddaughter of the sun god Helios, and later wife to the hero Jason, with whom she had two children, Mermeros and Pheres. In Euripides's play Medea, Jason leaves Medea when Creon, king of...
carrying fans to a football match in the capital Algiers killing 16 people.
2005
- On April 9, 2005, militants killed 14 people at a fake roadblock near Algier. In addition another 36 people, including 15 security force members have been killed since the start of March.
- On May 15, 2005, insurgents ambushed an army convoy in the region of KhenchelaKhenchelaKhenchela ancient Mascula is the name of the capital city of the administrative Khenchela Province , number 40, in the north east of Algeria. Situated in the Aures Mountains, 1200 m above sea level. The city is mainly populated by Berber Chaouis....
killing 12 soldiers. - On June 13, 2005, an explosive device kills 3 soldiers and 2 civilians west of Tipaza.
- On June 18, 2005, an explosive device killed a policeman during a police raid in El-Djer.
- On June 23, 2005, an explosive device kills 1 policeman on the road linking Azzefoune and Aghrib in the province of Tizi OuzouTizi OuzouTizi Ouzou is a city in Kabylia, Algeria, where it ranks second in population after Béjaïa. It is the capital and largest city of Tizi Ouzou Province and of Great Kabylia .-Etymology:The name comes from the Kabylian Berber Tizi n Uzezzu and is pronounced Tizuzzu, commonly...
. - On July 18, 2005, Islamist militants killed five policemen in an ambush in Ain DeflaAïn Defla ProvinceAïn Defla is a wilaya in northern Algeria. It is located to the southwest of Algiers, the capital. Localities in Ain Delfa include Miliana, Hammam Righa, and Aïn Torki.-Administrative divisions:...
in western Algeria. - On September 25, 2005 militants killed 5 members of the security forces. Three days before 7 soldiers and 3 civilians were killed in two other attacks. Since the beginning of the month another 16 soldiers, 12 civilians and 1 policeman were killed. The attacks took place in Boumerdes ProvinceBoumerdès ProvinceBoumerdès is a province of northern Algeria, between Algiers and Tizi-Ouzou, with its capital at the coastal city of Boumerdès just east of Algiers.-Administrative divisions:...
and close to SaidaSaida, Algeria-Location:Saïda is located in northwestern Algeria, on the southern slopes of the Tell Atlas mountain range situated on the northern fringe of the High Plateaus...
.
2006
- On February 1, 2006, the Algerian daily Liberté reports that spiritual leader Ahmed Abou al-Baraa (real name Ahmed Zarabib) has been killed by Algerian government forces in the mountains near ToudjaToudjaToudja is a town situated to the west of the Algerian city of Béjaïa, in the mountains to the north of the main road from Béjaïa to Tizi Ouzou. The liberal pied noir writer Jules Roy discussed it in his book on the Algerian war of independence....
on January 17. - On March 30, 2006, Hassan HattabHassan HattabHassan Hattab is the founder and first leader of the Algerian Islamist rebel group Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat ....
, a founder of the group, is reported to have called on its remaining members to accept an amnesty offered by the Algerian government. - On April 7, 2006, insurgents ambushed a government convoy in the desert region of GhardaïaGhardaïaGhardaïa is the capital city of Ghardaïa Province, Algeria. The commune of Ghardaïa has a population of 104,645, with 82,500 in the main city according to 2005 estimates. It is located in northern-central Algeria in the Sahara Desert and lies along the left bank of the Wadi Mzab...
in Algeria carrying customs agents killing 13 people. - On April 26, 2006, a suicide bomber attacked the base of the Multinational Forces and Observers at al-Jura wounding two members of the force.
- On June 21, 2006, the Algerian army killed 10 Islamists in Ghzerwal, near BoumerdesBoumerdèsBoumerdès is the capital city of Boumerdès Province, Algeria. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea. It had a population of 28,500 in 1998 and 15,000 in 1987....
. - On June 26, 2006, the Algerian army killed 19 Islamists in the eastern region of KhenchelaKhenchelaKhenchela ancient Mascula is the name of the capital city of the administrative Khenchela Province , number 40, in the north east of Algeria. Situated in the Aures Mountains, 1200 m above sea level. The city is mainly populated by Berber Chaouis....
, bring the number of people killed since the start of the latest unrest in Algeria to 53, including 36 suspected Islamists. Among the dead were also 7 soldiers killed on June 21 and 5 civilians killed on June 20. - On July 20, 2006, insurgents killed 4 government municipal guards near Ain DeflaAïn DeflaAïn Defla |spring]]) is the capital city of Aïn Defla Province, Algeria. It is also a commune....
. The attack followed a similar one on July 12 when 5 guards were killed near Tipaza. - On August 29, 2006, insurgents attacked a checkpoint in El-Kseur in Béjaïa ProvinceBéjaïa ProvinceBéjaïa is a province of Algeria. The capital city is Béjaïa. Gouraya National Park is there. A population of the endangered primate, Barbary Macaque is found within this the province's Gouraya National Park; this canid has a severely restricted and disjunctive range.-Administrative divisions:The...
, killing 2 policemen and 1 civilian. - On September 14, 2006, al-QaedaAl-QaedaAl-Qaeda is a global broad-based militant Islamist terrorist organization founded by Osama bin Laden sometime between August 1988 and late 1989. It operates as a network comprising both a multinational, stateless army and a radical Sunni Muslim movement calling for global Jihad...
announced it will join the GSPC in their fight against France. They plan to attack France, the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, and their allies. - On September 2, 2006 in separate clashes 6 soldiers were killed in the regions of BéjaïaBéjaïaBéjaïa, Vgaiet or Bejaya is a Mediterranean port city on the Gulf of Béjaïa in Algeria; it is the capital of Béjaïa Province, Kabylia. Under French rule, it was formerly known under various European names, such as Budschaja in German, Bugia in Italian, and Bougie...
and MedeaMedeaMedea is a woman in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, niece of Circe, granddaughter of the sun god Helios, and later wife to the hero Jason, with whom she had two children, Mermeros and Pheres. In Euripides's play Medea, Jason leaves Medea when Creon, king of...
. - In October, 2006 a series of truck bombs exploded in Algiers killing three and wounding 24.
- On November 3, 2006 15 militants ambushed an army patrol in the Ain DeflaAïn DeflaAïn Defla |spring]]) is the capital city of Aïn Defla Province, Algeria. It is also a commune....
region killing 8 soldiers. - On November 9, 2006 militants ambushed an army patrol in the BouiraBouiraBouïra is the capital of Bouïra Province, Algeria.-Demographics:It has 75,086 inhabitants as of the 1998 census, which gives it 15 seats in the PMA.-Geography:...
region killing 7 soldiers and wounding 13. - On November 28, 2006 10 militants were killed in clashes in remote mountainous regions and also a week before a military helicopter was shot down by the Islamists killing 3 soldiers and 2 local guards.
- On December 10, 2006 a bomb tore apart a bus carrying foreign oil workers in Algiers, killing two and wounding eight.
2007
- In January, 2007 TunisiaTunisiaTunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
said it killed 12 GSPC militants while losing two security men. The militants allegedly planned to attack the U.S. and British embassies in TunisTunisTunis is the capital of both the Tunisian Republic and the Tunis Governorate. It is Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 728,453 as of 2004; the greater metropolitan area holds some 2,412,500 inhabitants....
. - On January 5, 2007 insurgents killed 18 soldiers in an ambush in the region of BiskraBiskraBiskra is the capital city of Biskra province, Algeria. In 2007, its population was recorded as 207,987.During Roman times the town was called Vescera, though this may have been simply a Latin transliteration of the native name. Around 200 AD under Septimius Severus' reign, it was seized by the...
. - On January 21, 2007 a roadside bomb exploded under an army vehicle near JijelJijelJijel is the capital of Jijel Province in northeastern Algeria. It is flanked by the Mediterranean Sea in the region of Corniche Jijelienne, and has an estimated population of 148,000 inhabitants .Jijel is the administrative and trade centre for a region specializing in cork processing, leather...
in eastern Algeria killing one soldier and wounding another eight. - On January 30, 2007 5 soldiers and 10 Islamists were killed in fighting in the eastern region of BatnaBatna ProvinceBatna is a wilaya of Algeria. Capital is Batna. Localities in this province include Barika, Merouana and Timgad. Belezma National Park is there.- Administrative divisions :It is made up of 22 districts and 61 municipalities.The districts are:...
. - On February 6, 2007, the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
began Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara in partnership with the United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and a number of partner states in the SahelSahelThe Sahel is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of transition between the Sahara desert in the North and the Sudanian Savannas in the south.It stretches across the North African continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea....
region. - On February 13, 2007 seven bombs exploded at seven police stations in the Kabylia region killing 2 policemen and 4 civilians.
- On March 3, 2007 a bomb hits a convoy of Russian pipeline workers between the towns of MedeaMedeaMedea is a woman in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of King Aeëtes of Colchis, niece of Circe, granddaughter of the sun god Helios, and later wife to the hero Jason, with whom she had two children, Mermeros and Pheres. In Euripides's play Medea, Jason leaves Medea when Creon, king of...
and Ain DeflaAïn DeflaAïn Defla |spring]]) is the capital city of Aïn Defla Province, Algeria. It is also a commune....
, killing four Russians and three Algerians. - Between March 11 and April 14, 2007 Casablanca bombings2007 Casablanca bombingsThe 2007 Casablanca bombings refer to a series of suicide bombings in March and April 2007 in Casablanca, Morocco.-March 11:There was a suicide bombing on March 11, 2007, in Casablanca, Morocco. The attack occurred 3 years after the 2004 Madrid train bombings that targeted the Spanish capital Madrid...
killed 8. - On April 7, 2007 9 soldiers and 10 Islamists were killed in fighting in a wooded area in the Ain Defla ProvinceAïn Defla ProvinceAïn Defla is a wilaya in northern Algeria. It is located to the southwest of Algiers, the capital. Localities in Ain Delfa include Miliana, Hammam Righa, and Aïn Torki.-Administrative divisions:...
. - On April 11, 2007, a suicide attack at the entrance of the Ministry of Interior11 April 2007 Algiers bombingsThe 2007 Algiers bombings occurred on April 11, 2007 when two suicide car bombs exploded in the Algerian capital Algiers.The headquarters of the Algerian prime minister were hit by a large explosion that left many people dead and injured and could be heard 10 km away...
killed more than 24 people and wounded 300. - On May 11, 2007 in various incidents 6 Islamists, 1 soldier and 1 policeman were killed near Tizi OuzouTizi OuzouTizi Ouzou is a city in Kabylia, Algeria, where it ranks second in population after Béjaïa. It is the capital and largest city of Tizi Ouzou Province and of Great Kabylia .-Etymology:The name comes from the Kabylian Berber Tizi n Uzezzu and is pronounced Tizuzzu, commonly...
, SaidaSaida, Algeria-Location:Saïda is located in northwestern Algeria, on the southern slopes of the Tell Atlas mountain range situated on the northern fringe of the High Plateaus...
and JijelJijelJijel is the capital of Jijel Province in northeastern Algeria. It is flanked by the Mediterranean Sea in the region of Corniche Jijelienne, and has an estimated population of 148,000 inhabitants .Jijel is the administrative and trade centre for a region specializing in cork processing, leather...
. - On May 13, 2007 a bomb exploded at a police checkpoint in Constantine, AlgeriaConstantine, AlgeriaConstantine is the capital of Constantine Province in north-eastern Algeria. It was the capital of the same-named French département until 1962. Slightly inland, it is about 80 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast, on the banks of Rhumel river...
, killing one policeman and wounding two. - On May 14, 2007 20 militants were killed in clashes near the capital.
- On July 11, 2007 a suicide truck bomber attacked a military barracks near BouiraBouiraBouïra is the capital of Bouïra Province, Algeria.-Demographics:It has 75,086 inhabitants as of the 1998 census, which gives it 15 seats in the PMA.-Geography:...
, killing 10 soldiers and wounding 35. - On September 3, 2007 during clashes in the TebessaTébessaTébessa is the capital city of Tébessa Province, Algeria, 20 kilometers west from the border with Tunisia. Nearby is also a phosphate mine. The city is famous for the traditional Algerian carpets in the region, and is home to over 161,440 people.-History:...
region five security forces members and a civilian were killed. - On September 5, 2007 seven militants were killed when the army bombed a suspected militant hideout in the TebessaTébessaTébessa is the capital city of Tébessa Province, Algeria, 20 kilometers west from the border with Tunisia. Nearby is also a phosphate mine. The city is famous for the traditional Algerian carpets in the region, and is home to over 161,440 people.-History:...
region. - On September 15, 2007 a bomb exploded in front of a police compound in Zemmouri, near BoumerdesBoumerdèsBoumerdès is the capital city of Boumerdès Province, Algeria. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea. It had a population of 28,500 in 1998 and 15,000 in 1987....
, killing three people and wounding five others. - On September 22, 2007 a suicide bomber wounded nine people, including two Frenchmen and an Italian, in an attack in Lakhdaria, in the Bouira ProvinceBouira Province-Administrative divisions:It is made up of 12 districts and 45 communes or municipalities.-Districts:# Aïn Bessem# Bechloul# Bir Ghbalou# Bordj Okhriss# Bouïra# El Hachimia# Haïzer# Kadiria# Lakhdaria# M'Chedellah# Souk El Khemis...
. - On October 9, 2007 in clashes in Kabylia three militants, including the GSPC deputy leader, were killed.
- On October 15, 2007 in fighting in the Tizi OuzouTizi OuzouTizi Ouzou is a city in Kabylia, Algeria, where it ranks second in population after Béjaïa. It is the capital and largest city of Tizi Ouzou Province and of Great Kabylia .-Etymology:The name comes from the Kabylian Berber Tizi n Uzezzu and is pronounced Tizuzzu, commonly...
province three militants were killed. - On November 16, 2007, Algerian forces killed the treasurer of al-Qaeda in Algeria, Abdelhamid Sadaoui, also known as Abou el Haythem, near Tizi OuzouTizi OuzouTizi Ouzou is a city in Kabylia, Algeria, where it ranks second in population after Béjaïa. It is the capital and largest city of Tizi Ouzou Province and of Great Kabylia .-Etymology:The name comes from the Kabylian Berber Tizi n Uzezzu and is pronounced Tizuzzu, commonly...
. - On December 11, 2007, two suicide truck bombers attacked U.N. offices in Algiers, killing 37 people and injuring 171. The United Nations Security CouncilUnited Nations Security CouncilThe United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
officially condemned this attack. - On December 25, 2007, 4 FrenchFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
tourists were killed by gunmen in MauritaniaMauritaniaMauritania is a country in the Maghreb and West Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, by Western Sahara in the north, by Algeria in the northeast, by Mali in the east and southeast, and by Senegal in the southwest...
and a fifth seriously injured. Victims were all part of the same family. See 2007 French tourists killing in Mauritania2007 French tourists killing in MauritaniaThe 2007 killing of French tourists in Mauritania happened on December 24, 2007. The attack happened near Aleg, 250 km east of the capital Nouakchott....
2008
- Al Qaeda's wing in north Africa says it killed 20 Algerian soldiers and wounded 30 in clashes in its eastern stronghold, where the army has launched a campaign against the rebels. In an Internet statement posted on March 8, the group denied a newspaper report that 25 of its fighters had been killed and played down reports its leader had been surrounded.
- On June 6, 2008, roadside bomb killed six soldiers and wounded four in Cap Djenat. The bombing came a day after a suicide bomber targeted a military barracks in an eastern Algiers suburb but killed only himself.
- On June 8, 2008, two bombs in quick succession2008 Beni Amrane bombingsThe 2008 Beni Amrane bombings were two bombings on June 9, 2008 that killed 13 people in the town of Beni Amrane in the Boumerdès Province, from Algiers, the capital of Algeria. The first bomb killed a French citizen and his Algerian driver as they were leaving the town's railway station. The...
rocked a train station in Beni Amrane, about 60 miles east of Algiers. The first bomb killed a Frenchman working on a renovation project at the station along with his driver. The second bomb came about five minutes later hitting the first responders and killing eight soldiers and three firefighters. - On July 14, 2008, a leader of Al-Qaida in Algeria was killed in a security forces raid.
- On August 19, 2008, a suicide car-bomber attacked a police academy2008 Issers bombingThe 2008 Issers bombing occurred on August 19, 2008 when a suicide bomber drove and detonated a vehicle laden with explosives into a crowd of para-military recruits waiting to take exams outside a police academy in Issers, Boumerdès Province, Algeria killing 43 and injuring 38...
in Les Issers as recruits lined up in front of the building, 43 people were killed, only one of them a policeman. This attack was officially condemned by the United Nations Security CouncilUnited Nations Security CouncilThe United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of...
. - On August 20, 2008, another two car-bombs attacked a hotel in BouiraBouiraBouïra is the capital of Bouïra Province, Algeria.-Demographics:It has 75,086 inhabitants as of the 1998 census, which gives it 15 seats in the PMA.-Geography:...
killing 11 civilians one day after the car bomb attack in Les Issers. - On September 15, 12 Mauritanians were captured and later beheaded in northern Mauritania.
2009
- January 22: Gunmen abduct a Swiss couple, a German woman, and a British man in Niger. In February, Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb claimed to have abducted the four tourists as well as Canadian diplomat Robert FowlerRobert Fowler (diplomat)Robert R. Fowler is a Canadian diplomat and the special envoy of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Niger since mid-2008, to find solution to the conflict in Agadez region....
in December. Fowler and three others were released in April while the British man, Edwin Dyer, was executed in June. - February 22: Militants attack a gas installation at the Ziama Mansouriah commune in the coastal province of Jijel, killing nine security guards in the deadliest strike since August.
- June 17: 18 gendarmerie troops and a civilian were killed in an attack on a military convoy near Bordj Bou Arreridj, about 125 miles southeast of Algiers.Local sources said that the soldiers were returning after escorting to base a group of Chinese workers building the future motorway intended to cross the whole of the north African country from east to west.
- July 30: At least 14 Algerian security guards were killed in an ambush by alleged Islamic fighters.
- August 9: 2009 Nouakchott suicide bombing2009 Nouakchott suicide bombingThe 2009 Nouakchott suicide bombing occurred in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, on August 8, 2009, outside the embassy of France. It was the first instance of a suicide bombing in the history of Mauritania...
. - Nov. 26: Frenchman Pierre Camatte was kidnapped in MénakaMénakaMénaka is a rural commune and town in Menaka Cercle, Gao Region, in the far east of Mali. It is the local government seat and largest town in the Cercle, and one of four rural communes...
, Mali by al-Qaeda. - Nov. 29: Spanish aid workers Roque Pascual, Albert Vilalta, and Alicia Gamez were kidnapped on a coastal road in Mauritania. Gamez was released in March 2010, while Pascual and Vilalta was released in August 2010.
- Dec. 19: An Italian and his wife from Burkina FasoBurkina FasoBurkina Faso – also known by its short-form name Burkina – is a landlocked country in west Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d'Ivoire to the southwest.Its size is with an estimated...
were kidnapped in eastern Mauritania. They were released on April 19, 2010. - Dec. 28: Three Saudi tourists are killed and three others injured in an attack near DjambalaDjambalaDjambala is the main town of Djambala District and the Plateaux Region of the Republic of Congo. It lies north of Brazzaville and lies near the Léfini Reserve.- Transport :...
, Niger. A fourth Saudi died two days later.
2010
- January 29: A bomb exploded at the passage of a freight train loan Timezrit. Nobody was injured.
- March 8: At least five soldiers were killed close to Niger's border with Mali, in a sunrise ambush in which rebels attacked a convoy with rockets and machine gun fire at an isolated border post.
- March 21: 3 militants were killed by security forces near El Ma Labiod, 35 km from Tebessa.
- March 25: Two soldiers was killed and five other wounded in an attack in the city of KadiriaKadiriaKadiria is a town and commune in Bouïra Province, Algeria. According to the 1998 census it has a population of 17,923.-References:...
. - March 26: 3 militants were killed while another was captured by security forces in Ait Yahia Moussa, 30 km from Tizi Ouzou.
- April 1: A bomb attack against a taxi killed two people in Tizi-Ouzou. Another attack against a police patrol does not hurt.
- April 3: Seven security officers and one soldier were killed in a double bomb attack in the region of BejaiaBéjaïaBéjaïa, Vgaiet or Bejaya is a Mediterranean port city on the Gulf of Béjaïa in Algeria; it is the capital of Béjaïa Province, Kabylia. Under French rule, it was formerly known under various European names, such as Budschaja in German, Bugia in Italian, and Bougie...
. Two other soldiers were wounded in the second explosion. - April 14: According to Algerian officials, at least 10 militants were killed since a counter-terrorist operation started in Bordj Bou Arreridj raion. The operation is ongoing. Top militant Abdelmalek Droukdel could be surrounded with other militants, a military spokesman said.
- April 21: A French tourist and his Algerian driver were kidnapped in Niger.
- April 23: At least 2 policemen were killed and another was slightly wounded when a bomb exploded in Irraguern (between Bejaia and Jijel) while they were passing by. No other details have been reported.
- April, 28: A fierce gunbattle between Algerian army and a group of militants occurred near Tidjellabine (2 km from Boumerdes). It is known that one soldier was killed, but the counter-terrorist operation was still going on according to Algerian officials.
- May 2: One militant was killed in a clash with Algerian forces in a forest between Akfadou and Adekar. "He was wearing an old military jacket (...) he was killed on the spot" a military spokesman said. "The counter-terrorist operation is still going on" he added. This heavily forested area is often the scene of clashes between militants from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI, former GSPC) and Algerian army.
- May 4: 3 militants, including the emir of "Takhoukht Jamaat" Zakaria Abdelkahar, were killed by security forces in Draa El Mizen (45 km from Tizi-Ouzou). It was reported that the authorities demanded them to stop their car and to surrender, but they refused and were killed. Several weapons and ammunitions were discovered in the car. No other details have been reported.
- May 9: 2 people including a child were killed in an ambush in Kabylia. Another person is missing.
- June 7: 2 people were killed and a third critically injured in a bomb attack near Derguina.
- June 11: A suicide car bomb directed by a suicide bomber against a fixed barrier of the gendarmerie in AmmalAmmalAmmal is a town and commune in Boumerdès Province, Algeria. According to the 1998 census it has a population of 8,567....
resulted in 8 dead, including 3 policemen, four civilians and a Chinese national. Thus a score of wounded including 10 policemen and 10 civilians. At least three terrorists were killed during the violent clash that occurred after the blast. - June 24: 5 people were killed and one wounded by gunfire during a wedding at douar Ghrab near TébessaTébessaTébessa is the capital city of Tébessa Province, Algeria, 20 kilometers west from the border with Tunisia. Nearby is also a phosphate mine. The city is famous for the traditional Algerian carpets in the region, and is home to over 161,440 people.-History:...
. - July 1er: 11 policemen were killed in an ambush in the city of Tinzaouatine. This attack was claimed by Al-QaedaAl-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic MaghrebThe Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, previously known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat is a radical Islamist militia which aims to overthrow the Algerian government and institute an Islamic state. To that end, it is currently engaged in an insurgent campaign.The group...
. - July 4: 3 policemen killed by a bomb on a road near Jijel by suspected Islamists.
- July 14: 4 soldiers were killed and 13 others wounded in several bomb attacks.
- July 25: Six militants were killed in a Franco-Mauritanian raid against a camp of Al-qaeda in Mali to try to free the hostage Michel Germaneau. At the same time one person was killed and 10 wounded in a suicide attack against a police brigade in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria.
- July 26: The French tourist Michel Germaneau, who was kidnapped on April 21, is executed.
- August 7: The mayor of the town of Baghlia, Mohammed Idir, was murdered when he went to the mosque.
- August 20: An attack against a military convoy near Baghlia killed 3 people and injured at least two.
- August 22: a former terrorist was assassinated by bullets in the town of BaghliaBaghliaBaghlia is a town and commune in Boumerdès Province, Algeria. According to the 1998 census it has a population of 15,854.-References:...
in Algeria. - August 24: An attempted suicide attack wounded 3 in Mauritania. The bomber's vehicle exploded before reaching its target, a military barracks in NémaNémaNéma is a town in southeastern Mauritania, close to the border with Mali. It is located at around . It is the capital of Hodh Ech Chargui Region and of the Néma Department....
. - Aungust 30: A suicide car bomb against a military convoy left 3 dead and at least 20 wounded in the town of ZemmouriZemmouriZemmouri is a town and commune in Boumerdès Province, Algeria. According to the 1998 census it has a population of 21,012.-References:...
in Kabylia. - September 16: Gunmen abduct five Frenchmen, a Togolese, and a Malagasy from a uranium mine in northern Niger.
- Septembre 18: A battle between Mauritanian army and members of Al-Qaeda killed at least 6 members of the army and 12 militants.
- October 3: Five soldiers were killed and ten others injured in a bomb attack against their convoy in Zekri, a town of Kabylie, during a search operation.
- October 12: A departmental head in public works, his two collaborators and two contractors were killed in a bomb attack in Tlidjene.
- October 25: 1 soldier was killed and four others wounded by a bomb explosion in the passage their patrol in the Boumerdes region.
2011
- January 4: An attack against the embassy of France in Mali's capital Bamako resulting in 2 injuries. This is the first such attack on Malian territory.
- January 7: Two French citizens were kidnapped in Niamey, Niger. The abductors brought them to the desert where they killed them before a military raid could free the hostages.
- January 29: A member of the municipal guard was killed and three others wounded in an attack against the headquarters of the communal guard in the southwest of Tizi Ouzou.
- February 3: The Mauritanian army has detonated a vehicle filled with explosives 12 km south of NouakchottNouakchott-Government:The town was first divided into districts in 1973. First it was divided into four. From 1986, the city has been split into nine districts.* Arafat* Dar Naim* El Mina* Ksar* Riad* Sebkha* Tevragh-Zeina* Teyarett* Toujounine...
killing his three passengers and wounding eight soldiers. The attack was to assassinate the President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel AzizMohamed Ould Abdel AzizGeneral Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz is a Mauritanian politician, currently serving as President of Mauritania...
. That attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic MaghrebAl-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic MaghrebThe Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, previously known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat is a radical Islamist militia which aims to overthrow the Algerian government and institute an Islamic state. To that end, it is currently engaged in an insurgent campaign.The group...
. - March 9: An attack near DjelfaDjelfaDjelfa is the capital city of Djelfa province, Algeria. It has a population of 154,265 . The city lies at the junction of the N1 and the N46....
left 5 dead, in what appeared to be a response to the death of Abou Tourab, a leader of Al-QaedaAl-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic MaghrebThe Al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb, previously known as the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat is a radical Islamist militia which aims to overthrow the Algerian government and institute an Islamic state. To that end, it is currently engaged in an insurgent campaign.The group...
. - April 17: 20 Algerian soldiers were killed and twenty-two injured in three attacks claimed by Al Qaeda. Eleven militants were also killed.
- April 28: 2011 Marrakech bombing2011 Marrakech bombingThe 2011 Marrakech bombing killed 17 people in the city of Marrakech, Morocco on 28 April 2011. The blast, from a bomb left in a bag, destroyed the Argana cafe in Djemaa el-Fna square, a popular tourist spot. At least 20 people were injured. Most of the dead were tourists.-Casualties:17 people were...
. A remote controlled bomb explode in Argana café, on Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Amongst the dead are 7 French national, 2 Canadians and a Dutch. - April 29: The explosion of a bomb in the town of Oued DjemaaOued DjemaaOued Djemaa is a town in northern Algeria....
has killed five communal guards who went to their place of work. - May 6: A bomb that exploded at the passage of a military convoy killed five soldiers and wounded five other in a region of JijelJijelJijel is the capital of Jijel Province in northeastern Algeria. It is flanked by the Mediterranean Sea in the region of Corniche Jijelienne, and has an estimated population of 148,000 inhabitants .Jijel is the administrative and trade centre for a region specializing in cork processing, leather...
. Since April 15 and the address to the nation of Abdelaziz BouteflikaAbdelaziz BouteflikaAbdelaziz Bouteflika is the ninth President of Algeria. He has been in office since 1999. He continued emergency rule until 24 February 2011, and presided over the end of the bloody Algerian Civil War in 2002...
there were fifty deaths in Islamist attacks. - May 12: Seven soldiers were killed and three terrorists killed in an attack against a military outpost in the region of Jijel. An eighth member is missing and two were wounded in the attack with machine guns, perpetrated in Tizrarane.
- May 4: Four policemen were killed in a bomb attack on the road between Tizi-Ouzou, the main town of Kabylie, in Algiers the capital of the country.
- May 6: Three soldiers were killed and two others wounded by gunmen in the region of Jijel. One was initially killed by firing a gun, the others were killed by an bomb attack.
- July 5: Al-Qaida claims to have attacked a Mauritanian army base in Mali claiming to have killed 20 soldiers and destroyed 12 vehicles. they also say he lost two of their men. The Mauritanian army for its part says it killed 15 militants and lost two men.
- July 16: Four people were killed and twenty injured in attacks, including two attacks by suicide bombers in the east of Algiers. In addition near the Tunisian border, two gunmen were killed.
- August 14: A suicide bombing against a police station injured more than 30 in the city of Tizi Ouzou, Similarly, two people were killed in a double bomb attack targeting a police station in Bordj Menaiel.
- August 17: A soldier was killed and five injured in a bomb attack in the town of Thenia.
- August 22: A soldier was killed and two others wounded in the explosion of a roadside bomb in Taourga. In addition, two officers from the Hasnaoui were murdered and a young civilian was hit by bullets.
- August 24: One militant was wounded and policemans recovered two Kalashnikovs in a clash near Tizi-Ouzou.
- August 27: A suicide attack against the Military Academy Cherchell, a hundred kilometers west of Algiers, killed 18 people, 16 officers and two civilians and wounded 20 others. The attack occurred less than ten minutes after breaking the fast of Ramadan.