ALGIERS, Oct 14 (NNN-APS) – Algerian police said yesterday that, it arrested 17 suspects, belonging to a separatist group listed by the government as a terrorist organisation, state-run ENTV channel, reported.
The 17 suspects from the Movement for Self-determination of Kabylie (MAK) were arrested, in provinces near the capital, Algiers, for plotting criminal acts targeting homeland security, ENTV said, quoting a statement of the National Security Department.
The collected evidence and the suspects’ confessions, revealed that MAK members were in constant contact with foreign forces through cyberspace, operating under the cover of Zionist civil society organisations based in a North African country, it added.
At the suspects’ homes, the police seized weapons and military equipment, banners and leaflets praising the MAK, as well as, documents providing contacts with Israeli organisations, according to ENTV.
Algeria declared the France-based MAK a terrorist organisation last year. MAK seeks independence of the Berber-speaking Kabylie region in northern Algeria.
In late Aug, in explaining Algeria’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Morocco, Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, said, Morocco had been supporting MAK and the Britain-based Rachad movement, which is also listed by Algeria as a terrorist organisation.– NNN-APS
