On Monday, September 21, 2026, search and rescue operations resumed for the Algerian soldier, with teams from Tunisia and Algeria participating in the effort. The soldier went missing after floodwaters swept him away from Algerian territory into Tunisia. The search operation involves specialized units from the Kasserine governorate, including civil protection, national guard, and national security units, as well as Algerian civil protection units.
The search efforts come after the discovery of the body of the soldier's companion on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the Ain Dfella area of the Hdidra delegation. A local citizen found the body on their land near the Serri wadi, where it is believed the floodwaters carried the two Algerian soldiers from Algeria into Tunisia. The search teams comprise 24 forest agents from the Tala and Hdidra forest districts.
The forest agents are working alongside units from civil protection, national guard, and national security to support the search operation. The effort aims to activate rapid response mechanisms and is overseen by the Kasserine Regional Disaster Response Committee. The forest agents bring valuable knowledge of the terrain and forest trails in the area.
The recent rainfall in several Algerian provinces, including Tebessa, which borders Tunisia, led to a surge in water levels and flash flooding in various regions. This caused the sudden rise in water levels in the wadis, making the search operation challenging. The teams are working to locate the missing soldier.
According to a source from the Regional Forest Development Division, the search operation is being conducted in coordination with Algerian authorities. The efforts focus on combing through areas where the floodwaters may have carried the soldier. The terrain and weather conditions are posing significant challenges to the search teams.
The Algerian soldier's disappearance has prompted a concerted effort between Tunisian and Algerian authorities to locate him. The incident highlights the risks posed by flash flooding in the region, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The search operation is ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to locate the missing soldier.
The resumption of search efforts underscores the commitment of Tunisian and Algerian authorities to locating the missing soldier. The operation involves close coordination between multiple units and authorities from both countries. The search teams remain hopeful of finding the soldier soon.
Key points
- Search operations have resumed for an Algerian soldier swept away by floodwaters from Algeria into Tunisia.
- Multiple units from Tunisia and Algeria are participating in the search effort.
- The search operation is being conducted in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
