Algeria: Heightened terror risk from returning IS fighters

Event

During a press conference in Cairo on Wednesday, November 15, Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel highlighted the rising threat of terrorism in Algeria and the surrounding region as Islamic State (IS) fighters return to their home countries in increasing numbers in the wake of the group’s series of defeats in Syria and Iraq. The Algerian government is coordinating with Egyptian and Tunisian authorities on security matters, including addressing the ongoing political (and corresponding security) crisis in neighboring Libya.

While there is currently no information concerning any specific known threat, an increased security presence is likely throughout Algeria, particularly in major cities such as Algiers and Oran.

Context

Approximately 250 Algerians are known to have joined the ranks of IS as of 2015; it is unclear how many in total are likely to return to the country. Islamist groups remain active in the Algeria, including Al-Qa’ida and IS affiliates, which mainly target security forces.

Advice

Due to the risk of terrorism throughout the country, individuals present in Algeria are advised to maintain a high degree of vigilance, to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and to be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels, and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).