The Algerian Ministry of National Defense (MDN) announced on Wednesday that the country's military, known as the Armée Nationale Populaire (ANP), had conducted several successful operations against terrorism and organized crime between October 21 and 27, 2026. The operations resulted in significant seizures and arrests, demonstrating the high level of professionalism and vigilance of the Algerian forces. According to the MDN, the ANP executed multiple operations that yielded quality results, reflecting their permanent readiness to protect the national territory.
In the fight against terrorism, the ANP arrested seven individuals who were providing support to terrorist groups in different operations. The MDN did not provide further details about the arrested individuals or the groups they were supporting. However, the ministry emphasized that the ANP remains committed to combating terrorism and its networks. The latest operations are part of the ongoing efforts by the Algerian authorities to ensure national security and stability.
The ANP also made significant progress in the fight against organized crime, particularly in the area of narcotics trafficking. Between October 21 and 27, combined detachments of the ANP intercepted 31 narcotraffickers and foiled attempts to introduce 383 kilograms of kif into the country. The kif was being smuggled from the borders with Morocco. In addition to the kif, the ANP seized 150,091 psychotropic tablets and one kilogram of cocaine during operations conducted across different military regions.
The ANP's efforts to combat gold smuggling in the southern region of the country also yielded significant results. During the same period, the ANP arrested 201 gold prospectors of different nationalities. The operations were conducted in Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, and In Guezzam, where the ANP seized 29 vehicles, 183 generators, 119 pickaxes, and quantities of raw gold and stones, as well as equipment used in illicit gold prospecting.
The Algerian authorities also intensified their efforts to combat fuel smuggling and other forms of organized crime. During separate operations, the ANP arrested eight individuals and seized two machine guns, seven hunting rifles, and 9,853 liters of fuel intended for smuggling. These operations demonstrate the ANP's commitment to protecting the country's resources and preventing the smuggling of goods.
In addition to these successes, the Algerian Coast Guard thwarted attempts by 123 individuals to migrate clandestinely on board artisanal boats along the national coastlines. The authorities also arrested 166 clandestine immigrants of different nationalities across the country. These operations highlight the ANP's role in securing Algeria's borders and preventing irregular migration.
The MDN's announcement demonstrates the Algerian authorities' continued efforts to combat terrorism, organized crime, and other security threats. The successful operations conducted by the ANP reflect the military's high level of professionalism and readiness to protect the country and its citizens. The authorities are expected to continue their efforts to ensure national security and stability.
Key points
- 31 narcotraffickers arrested and 383kg of kif seized
- 201 gold prospectors arrested in southern Algeria
- 123 individuals prevented from migrating clandestinely
