Algeria’s Prime Minister Ali Benflis commented on Wednesday that ”terrorist groups” are in a desperate situation, and that the attacks against innocent civilians convey this state of despair.
Responding to questions posed by the Members of the National People’s Assembly (APN), said that the international community is now more alert and sensitive to terrorism, in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
The Prime Minister also affirmed his government’s commitment "To carry on the fight against the networks supporting terrorism until its eradication.”
An Algerian man indicted in the U.S. last week on charges he aided the foiled plot to bomb Los Angeles International Airport during millennium celebrations, will remain in Canadian custody until his extradition hearing next month. Samir Mohamed is accused of trying to procure weapons for convicted terrorist Ahmed Ressam so he could rob banks to raise money for the bombing plot. The millennium plot was foiled when Ressam - who trained in bin Laden-financed terrorist camps in Afghanistan was arrested entering Port Angeles, Wash., in late 1999 with a truck-load of explosives.
Earlier this month, assailants shot and killed 17 people, including 10 children, in the worst outbreak of violence in Algeria during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. In the past, Algeria's militants have carried out more attacks during Ramadan. An estimated 130,000 people have been killed in the insurgency, which began after the army canceled 1992 legislative elections that a Muslim fundamentalist party was likely to win. (Albawaba.com)
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