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“As part of the ongoing counterterrorism efforts against the multifaceted organized crime, units and detachments of the People’s National Army carried out, in the period of January 15-21, several operations that led to quality results showing the professionalism, vigilance and permanent readiness of our armed forces nationwide,” the statement said.

In the fight against terrorism, “the efforts of Army units have resulted in the surrender of two terrorists, “Mellouki Hosni” called “Hamza” and “Mellouki Ahmed” called “Yahia,” to the military authorities of Bordj Badji Mokhtar.”

The terrorists were “in possession of two Kalashnikov submachine gun, a quantity of ammunition and other items.”

The Army detachments also arrested fifteen (15) terrorist supporters in various operations nationwide.

In the fight against organized crime, “the sustained efforts to counter the scourge of drug trafficking in our country, combined Army detachments have intercepted, in coordination with different security services, in operations carried out in various military regions, (76) drug traffickers and thwarted attempts to smuggle (109) kg of cannabis through the border with Morocco, while huge quantities of psychotropic tablets amounting to (387113) pills and (1,62) kg of cocaine have been seized.”

In Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, In Guezzam and Illizi, “detachments of the People’s National Army have arrested (256) individuals and seized (32) vehicles, (364) power generators, (205) jackhammers, seven metal detectors, quantities of raw gold stones, explosives, detonation devices and equipment used in illegal gold mining.”

In addition, “(29) other individuals were arrested and (20) shotguns, (1) automatic pistols, (9220) litres of fuel and (8) tons of foodstuffs intended for smuggling and speculation were seized in separate operations across the country,” added the press release.

The coastguards “foiled clandestine emigration attempts along our coasts and rescued (127) individuals aboard home-built boats, while (455) clandestine immigrants of various nationalities were arrested throughout the country.”

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