The Algerian Army recovered the body of French hiker Hervé Gourdel, who was abducted from the town of Akbil and beheaded by Islamic State-affiliated jihadists. The defense ministry announced the arrest of 12 suspected terrorists during operations conducted in the southern part of the country.
A source in the Algerian security forces said that Sharif and Said Kouachi, the French brothers of Algerian heritage responsible for the Charlie Hebdo massacre, had never visited the country. Other sources said the brothers’ father, who “hailed from Algeria’s eastern province of Souk Ahras,” had not visited the country in 20 years.
Libya conflict threatens entire Maghreb
Algerian Army Kills Man Behind French Beheading
Islamic State looks to usurp AQIM
Algeria deployed 4,000 troops along the borders with Libya and Niger in a counterterrorism operation begun on Dec. 21. Authorities arrested 12 suspected jihadists traveling to Syria to fight for the Islamic State.
Senior al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb leader reportedly killed in Libya
Egypt looks to roll back Islamist militias in Libya
