Official Statement of MND
14th August 2024
Official Statement of the Ministry of National Defence
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime in all its forms, the combined security services carried out an operation on 4th August 2024 at the port of Bejaia, in the 5th Military Region, leading to the arrest of the called "Zaidi Moussa" and his wife. They were found to be in possession of a quantity of firearms, ammunition, a sum of foreign currency, and other items, which were carefully concealed in their vehicle. The intention was to smuggle these items into the country from the port of Marseille in France.
Following the initiation of an investigation, the suspect admitted his involvement and affiliation with the terrorist organization "MAK". He also claimed that the seized weapons had been acquired to Algeria by a network of this terrorist organization operating in France, which had planned to introduce them into the country and deliver them to certain members of dormant cells of the organization. These cells operate covertly to carry out terrorist acts, according to a pre-established agenda, with the complicity of foreign intelligence services hostile to Algeria. Their objective is to sow chaos and insecurity and disrupt the smooth running of the upcoming presidential elections.
As a result of effectively utilizing this information, the competent security services arrested (19) other members of the same terrorist network and seized another significant quantity of weapons discovered in a clandestine arms repair workshop near the city of Bejaia.
This successful operation led to the arrest of a total of (21) individuals, who have been presented before the relevant judicial authorities, and the following items were seized:
- (46) firearms of various calibers;
- A significant quantity of cartridges, bullets, and projectiles of different calibers;
- (12) binoculars;
- (10) bladed weapons;
- A set of parts and accessories for firearms;
- Equipment and raw materials for ammunition manufacture;
- GPS device;
- Computers and mobile phones;
- Various other items.
This operation once again demonstrates the vigilance and determination of the security personnel to thwart all plans of terrorist organizations and hostile foreign circles targeting the stability and security of the country.
Following the initiation of an investigation, the suspect admitted his involvement and affiliation with the terrorist organization "MAK". He also claimed that the seized weapons had been acquired to Algeria by a network of this terrorist organization operating in France, which had planned to introduce them into the country and deliver them to certain members of dormant cells of the organization. These cells operate covertly to carry out terrorist acts, according to a pre-established agenda, with the complicity of foreign intelligence services hostile to Algeria. Their objective is to sow chaos and insecurity and disrupt the smooth running of the upcoming presidential elections.
As a result of effectively utilizing this information, the competent security services arrested (19) other members of the same terrorist network and seized another significant quantity of weapons discovered in a clandestine arms repair workshop near the city of Bejaia.
This successful operation led to the arrest of a total of (21) individuals, who have been presented before the relevant judicial authorities, and the following items were seized:
- (46) firearms of various calibers;
- A significant quantity of cartridges, bullets, and projectiles of different calibers;
- (12) binoculars;
- (10) bladed weapons;
- A set of parts and accessories for firearms;
- Equipment and raw materials for ammunition manufacture;
- GPS device;
- Computers and mobile phones;
- Various other items.
This operation once again demonstrates the vigilance and determination of the security personnel to thwart all plans of terrorist organizations and hostile foreign circles targeting the stability and security of the country.
