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Salafists warn Algeria is off limits to foreigners

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Tuesday, June 15, 2004

CAIRO ø A leading Al Qaida-aligned group has warned of a renewed campaign on foreigners based in Algeria.

The Salafist Brigade for Combat and Call warned that all foreign interests in Algeria would be under attack. The warning was posted on an Islamist website and came from the group's new leader, Nabil Sahrawi

"The Salafist Brigade for Combat and Call has decided to declare war on everything that is foreign and atheistic within Algeria's borders, whether against individuals, interests or installations," Sahrawi said in a statement published on the Salafist website on June 13.

Over the last year, Western nations have been returning to Algeria. Western embassies have been reopened or expanded while European and U.S. energy majors have competed for new oil and natural gas exploration and development projects in the North African state.

The Salafist warning came as the insurgency group intensified violence throughout Algeria. Amid reports that Islamic insurgents were surrendering to authorities, Salafist forces claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Algerian military targets, in which more than a dozen soldiers were killed.

The Salafist Brigade has been regarded as the leading contractor of Al Qaida. Sahrawi took over the Salafist organization in late 2003 in what Islamic analysts said marked a decision to embark on a more aggressive policy.

In February 2003, the Salafist Brigade abducted 32 Western European tourists during a tour of the southern Sahara Desert. All but one of the tourists, who died, was released in exchange of a ransom of nearly $10 million.


Copyright © 2004 East West Services, Inc.

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