Terrorist Killed, Weapons Seized in Algerian Combing Operation

Algerian security forces have killed a terrorist and seized weapons during a combing operation, as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the country. The operation took place in an undisclosed location within Algeria, with no further details provided about the specific incident or the identity of the terrorist.

This latest counterterrorism operation coincides with Algeria's negotiations with Russia to sign a major arms deal worth between $12-17 billion over the next 10 years. The deal, expected to be finalized during Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's visit to Moscow in December 2024, would significantly bolster Algeria's military capabilities. Algeria is particularly interested in acquiring advanced Russian military hardware, including submarines, stealth aircraft, bombers, fighters, and air defense systems like the S-400, Viking, and Antey-4000.

If the arms deal goes through, Algeria's military budget would become the largest in Africa, reaching $22.6 billion in 2023. However, the United States has expressed concerns over the growing military ties between Algeria and Russia, calling for the implementation of sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Why this matters: The successful counterterrorism operation in Algeria highlights the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region. As Algeria seeks to strengthen its military capabilities through a potential arms deal with Russia, it underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and competing interests of global powers in Africa.

The recent counter-terrorism summit held in Abuja, Nigeria, saw African leaders calling for increased cooperation in combating terrorism. UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed emphasized the shift of the "epicentre of terrorism" from the Middle East and North Africa into Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged for enhanced intelligence sharing and the creation of a standby military force to deter terrorist operations.

Several African countries already cooperate through multi-national joint military task forces in areas like the Lake Chad border region. However, years of conflict in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have hampered regional cooperation efforts. The withdrawal of French troops from the Sahel has heightened concerns over the spread of violence, with millions of small arms in the hands of non-state groups posing a major threat.

African states also face new challenges in fighting militant insurgents, including the impact of climate change, breakdown of cooperation with some nations, the spread of fake news on social media, and unregulated money transfers through cryptocurrencies. As Algeria continues its fight against terrorism domestically, the broader regional context underscores the need for concerted efforts and cooperation among African nations to effectively combat the threat of terrorism across the continent.

Key Takeaways

• Algerian forces killed a terrorist and seized weapons in counterterrorism op.
• Algeria negotiating $12-17 billion arms deal with Russia to boost military.
• US concerned over Algeria-Russia military ties, may impose CAATSA sanctions.
• African leaders call for more cooperation to combat terrorism in the Sahel.
• Challenges include climate change, breakdown of cooperation, fake news, crypto.