25/08/2008
As part of a heightened security crackdown on terrorist elements in Algeria's eastern and central provinces, the army has deployed an additional 2600 troops to Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Bejaia and Boumerdes, reinforced checkpoints in eastern towns and distributed mobile scanners for explosives, Echorouk reported on Monday (August 25th). The High Commands of the first and fifth military regions have also reportedly reinforced their coordination to improve counter-terrorism efforts.
In related news, Algerian troops killed 10 terrorists and seized rocket-propelled grenade launchers and other weapons Sunday (August 24th) in Tarek Ibn Ziad, 250km west of Algiers, local and international press reported. The army operation followed a week of suicide bombings which killed at least 60 military recruits and Algerian civilians. Al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the attacks.