Highlights
– AOIM conducts double bomb attack on Algerian railway station, 13 people killed, including French engineer
– Attacks follow a number of smaller-scale bomb operations carried out in the aftermath of violent civil unrest
– More attacks against Algerian police, foreign workers, and Western economic targets to follow in the near to mid-term
As we previously reported, the al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb (AOIM) has continued to exploit the aftermath of Algeria’s violent incidents of civil unrest last month (Previous Report). The AOIM has been effectively maximizing their opportunities to conduct terrorist attacks, as Algerian security forces have been dispersed implementing law and order throughout northern Algeria. Moreover, the group’s speedy recovery between operations has enabled them to better exact their targets, while using more dramatic and sophisticated techniques. As the Algerian army continues to overstretch its military force, leaving prime target areas vulnerable for attack, the AOIM will continue to act quickly.
Series of Unrest and Attacks
In recent weeks, Algeria has been experiencing severe unrest and terrorist attacks. In May 2008, a series of violent clashes broke out between Arabs and Berbers in Beriane, Oran and Chlef:
• On May 18, 2008, two Algerians were killed and over 30 injured in Beriane, when young rival gangs of resident Berbers and neighboring Arabs clashed over the demotion of a local soccer team (Civil Unrest Incident).
• On May 25 and 28, 2008, over 70 people were injured in Oran and Chlef, when unemployed youths spent three days ransacking banks, shops, cars and bars, while others fought running battles with riot police firing tear gas (Civil Unrest Incident and Civil Unrest Incident).
Shortly following the clashes, the AOIM conducted two consecutive bomb attacks. After only two days of rest, the group carried out another large-scale attack and conflicting reports indicate a second large-scale attack may have occurred the following day:
• On June 4, 2008, AOIM militants carried out a double bomb attack against a military barrack in Bordj el Kiffan, just east of Algiers, killing one and injuring six total .
• On June 5, 2008, AOIM killed an additional six soldiers and wounded four others in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack against a military convoy returning to their barracks east of Algiers .
• On June 8, 2008, AOIM militants conducted a double bomb attack at a railway station east of Algiers killing 13 people, included a French engineer from the previously targeted French construction firm, Razel. As a result, the firm has pulled out its remaining three French nationals working on the site and flew them directly back to Paris .
• On June 9, 2008, conflicting media reports suggest the AOIM may have also carried out a bomb attack against a bus station in Bouira, killing 20 people –local media sources have not confirmed the attack .
More Attacks in the Interim
The government has responded quickly to abate further violent unrest and gain control of escalating tensions throughout remote towns in Algeria. However, police forces will have to increase security measures in the near to mid-term, as terrorists are likely to target deployed Algerian military forces and plot more attacks against government and security facilities.
AOIM primary targets will remain unchanged in the near to mid-term. Western economic interests, foreigners, and security forces will likely continue to be targeted, as the security environment in Algeria remains chaotic and unstable for the mid-term.
