Algeria's National Defense Ministry reported significant seizures and arrests following operations conducted across several regions between September 9 and 15, 2026. These full operations, spanning a week, yielded substantial illicit materials and apprehended numerous individuals involved in various illegal activities. The extensive actions took place in areas including Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Illizi, and In Salah, demonstrating a widespread effort to maintain national security. These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives by the Ministry to counter illegal activities, ranging from drug trafficking and terrorism support to illegal gold mining and human smuggling. The reported results show the Ministry's consistent engagement in national security operations and its commitment to combating organized crime. The scope of the operations extended across multiple southern Algerian provinces, indicating a broad and coordinated approach during the specified week. The Ministry's report provides a detailed overview of the illicit goods confiscated and the individuals brought to justice.
Drug Trafficking and Terrorism
Algeria's National Defense Ministry announced the arrest of 38 drug traffickers during its recent operations conducted between September 9 and 15, 2026. These arrests highlight the Ministry's proactive stance against the illicit drug trade. Authorities seized a substantial amount of narcotics, including 2 quintals and 13 kilograms of processed cannabis, which traffickers attempted to smuggle across the border with Morocco. This particular seizure shows the persistent challenge of cross-border drug operations. Additionally, 3.18 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated, alongside an alarming quantity of 390,100 hallucinogenic pills, preventing these harmful substances from reaching communities.
In separate, but equally critical actions, three individuals described as elements supporting terrorist groups were apprehended. These arrests signify the Ministry's continuous efforts to dismantle networks that pose a threat to national stability. The operations also resulted in the seizure of seven Kalashnikov submachine guns, potent weapons often associated with criminal and terrorist organizations. The Ministry further reported the confiscation of various hunting rifles, which can also be misused for illicit purposes. These figures were part of a broader report on national security operations between September 9 and 15, 2026, illustrating the multi-faceted nature of the threats addressed by the security forces.
Combating Illegal Gold Mining
Operations targeting illegal gold mining resulted in the arrest of 295 individuals. These arrests occurred across Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Illizi, and In Salah, regions known for their mineral resources, according to the National Defense Ministry. The Ministry's forces seized 30 vehicles implicated in the illicit activities, which are often used to transport equipment and extracted materials. Additionally, 293 electric generators were confiscated during the operations, indicating the scale of the illegal mining sites that rely on such power sources. A further 185 pressure hammers, frequently used in mining for breaking rock, were also seized by security forces, disrupting the operational capacity of these illegal ventures. The Ministry reported the confiscation of quantities of gold ore mixture and stones, direct evidence of the illegal extraction. Equipment specifically used in illegal mining operations was also secured, effectively dismantling several illicit mining setups. These decisive actions contribute to the broader efforts by the National Defense Ministry to counter various forms of illegal activity in the region and protect national resources.
Smuggling and Illegal Immigration
In separate operations, 12 individuals were arrested, according to the National Defense Ministry's report, for their involvement in various smuggling activities. Authorities seized 7,380 liters of fuel, often a target for illicit trade due to price differentials, and 7 quintals of tobacco. Additionally, 8.4 tons of foodstuffs that were intended for smuggling were confiscated, preventing their illegal distribution and potential market disruption.
In parallel efforts, coast guards thwarted several attempts at illegal immigration along national coasts. During these critical interventions, 262 individuals were rescued from traditional boats while attempting to illegally immigrate, noting the dangers associated with such perilous journeys. Across the nation, 418 illegal immigrants of various nationalities were arrested during the specified period, the Ministry stated, showing the full nature of the security operations. These efforts are part of broader operations conducted between September 9 and 15, 2026, aimed at combating illicit activities and ensuring border security and public safety.