The Algerian army has launched a manhunt operation to arrest IS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi who is said to be hiding in Algeria’s southern desert. Late in January, intelligence leaks cited by the media said that Al Baghdadi fled Iraq seeking a hideout in Africa. To reassure local population, Chief of Staff and Deputy Defense Minister, Ahmed Gaid Salah visited a military base in Tamenrasset where the army is preparing to start a military exercise. “The idea of the exercise is to repel any attempt of an enemy attack against our national borders. Terrorist groups have often acted in connivance with traffickers engaging in all sorts of smuggling from human trafficking to illegal dealings in foodstuff, oil, cigarettes and drugs.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2018 15:33 UTC