Algerian security forces post pictures, names of terror suspects

22/01/2008

To encourage citizens' help with counter-terrorism efforts, Algerian authorities published the names, photos and known aliases of more than 120 suspected terrorists and set up a toll-free hotline. Some Algerians fear, however, that the risk of reprisals will keep people from taking action.

By Said Jameh for Magharebia in Algiers – 22/01/08

[Getty Images] Algerian Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni said that one of the pillars of the country's new strategy for combating suicide operations is the enhancement of intelligence work. Security forces have recently published the names, photos and known aliases of more than 120 suspected terrorists.

As part of a renewed effort to enlist citizens' help in tracking down suspected terrorists and preventing possible suicide attacks, security authorities have begun posting pictures of terrorists in public places. The policy was initiated in early January after police learned that some beneficiaries of the law on national reconciliation have re-joined al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb and that the terror group was attracting new elements.

Security authorities released the names and aliases of more than 120 terrorists, dubbing them "dangerous individuals threatening public security".

The suspects' pictures were posted in public places and at security facilities in several provinces, including Muaskar and Tlemcen in west Algeria; Jijel and Tizi Ouzou in the east; and Djelfa in the south-western region. The ages of the suspected terrorists range from 20 to 40 years.

Algeria state-run television and radio stations also started to broadcast calls immediately before the main news bulletins urging viewers and listeners to report the "remnants of terrorists for your own security and safety". Citizens can call a newly-established toll-free hotline – 1590 – to report any suspicious activity.

Algerian Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni said that one of the pillars of the new strategy for combating suicide operations is the enhancement of intelligence work and the compilation of all information on terrorist elements.

Security forces specialized in investigating armed group's activities prepared new security lists with names of elements who have re-joined al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb, Al Khabar reported. The lists of suspects were based on statements from repentant terrorists, who claimed that after the law on national reconciliation, some of those linked to terrorism had returned to armed action.

Advertising agency owner Salah told Magharebia that this is not the first time the authorities have resorted to publishing terrorists' pictures. He doubted citizens would respond to the law officers' calls to report terrorists because they "don't have confidence in the security authorities on the one hand, and because they fear the oppression from the terrorists on the other."

Mourad, an information technology engineer from Jijel province, told Magharebia that the posted pictures were an inevitable move "although it came late". He suggested creating a website for posting the terrorists' pictures. He added that the security authorities must adopt the financial rewards system used in some western countries in order to encourage citizens to take part in countering these elements.

Operations aimed at dismantling terrorist cells continue across Algeria. In El Oued province on the border with Tunisia last week, security authorities disrupted a terror support cell consisting of 14 persons, including two women.

Security authorities have also established barriers at city entrances and imposed constant surveillance on trucks and covered delivery vehicles.