Al-Qaeda fires top leader for rejecting Algeria suicide attacks
2008-10-08
Al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb fired one of its top leaders for refusing to launch suicide attacks in Algeria, Algerian newspaper Ennahar El Jadid reported on Tuesday (October 7th). Rachid Zerami, alias Abou El hassan Errachid, headed the terror group's committee for religious affairs. Since 2007, Zerami's committee was responsible for issuing fatwas ordering suicide attacks in Algeria, the article said. A former member of the Armed Islamic Group, Abu Assim, was appointed to replace Zerami.
According to a terrorist who surrendered to Algerian authorities last week, Zerami was fired for expressing reservations about al-Qaeda suicide attacks and kidnapping operations. Security forces in Kabylie attribute several kidnappings in recent months of wealthy businessmen or their children to armed Islamist groups.
In related news, a suspected terrorist was arrested in the centre of Algiers with a quantity of explosives, El Khabar reported on Wednesday (October 8th). The unidentified man was allegedly planning a suicide attack in the capital.
Email to a friend
Print version
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy