Share

Foreign Firms Warned of Potential Attack

Terrorists in North Africa may be preparing for renewed attacks against foreign interests.

US officials received intelligence over the weekend suggesting forthcoming attacks in Algeria, while terrorists may have acquired new weaponry during the chaos of the Libyan conflict.

Local sources claim that potential targets include foreign oil firms operating in North Africa and the Sahel region. Attacks may include al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) operatives conducting missile attacks on aircraft carrying foreign nationals.

AKE sources on the ground reported seeing large stores of weaponry left unguarded last week in the Tripoli area. It is therefore not inconceivable that hostile groups could have seized control of weapons which could then be used to conduct terrorist attacks elsewhere in North Africa.

The latest threat is reportedly being attributed to AQIM, which has stepped up its campaign of violence in recent months.

The most notable attack occurred on 26 August when at least 26 soldiers and two civilians were killed by two suspected AQIM suicide bombers who attacked an army barracks in Cherchel, west of the capital.

Foreign firms in North Africa, particularly those involved in the energy sector, are advised to exercise caution as a result of the threat.

AKE advises companies to review their security procedures, particularly in Algeria.

89 views