Algeria 2007 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Middle East / N. Africa - Algeria
20 Jun 2007

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

In 2006, the security situation in Algeria took some notable steps backward and remained a serious issue. Throughout the year, there was a general increase in crime, violence, and new terrorist tactics. On September 11, 2006, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), the primary terrorist organization operating in Algiers, formally aligned itself with al-Qaeda. With this new alignment came a shift in the traditional targeting of government and security targets to include Westerners. The year 2006 also marked the first time in several years that bombings penetrated the capital city of Algiers and the first time ever that an American company was targeted in a terrorist attack. On October 30, 2006, two vehicle bombs exploded outside of police stations in eastern Algiers, killing several policemen and civilians. On December 10, a shuttle bus transporting workers for a U.S. company was attacked by a roadside bomb in western Algiers. Two employees, the Algerian driver and a Lebanese expatriate, were killed in this attack, and an American was injured. The GSPC, which changed its name at the end of the year to al-Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), claimed credit for these attacks. In addition to this apparent shift in targets in and around the capital city, the preexisting patterns of bombings and attacks in the rural and mountainous regions also continued. The year ended with a heightened level of security and concern prevailing, particularly among foreigners in Algiers.

Since 1992, more than 150,000 people are estimated to have died in Algeria’s battle with extremist Islamist terror groups, most notably the GIA (Armed Islamic Group) and the GSPC. In September 2005, the Algerian people voted in a referendum in favor of President Bouteflika’s national reconciliation charter, which allowed former terrorists not involved in mass killings, bombings, or rapes to turn themselves into authorities and/or to be released from prisons. As a result of the national reconciliation, approximately 2400 individuals considered to be terrorists were released into society. Since August 2006, security forces have taken the initiative in hunting down terrorists who continue to fight and an average of 40 people are still killed monthly. Although the level of violence previously experienced has significantly decreased from its height in the mid-1990s, terrorism is still a major problem and the U.S. Embassy Algiers’ main priority continues to be to assist the Algerian government in its efforts to prevent, and eventually eliminate, terrorist actions.

Crime

Crime is on the increase. This increase is due in part to remaining members of the terrorist groups resorting to crime in order to finance terrorist activity, and former terrorists changing their occupation to that of a career criminal. Socio-economic factors also drive the increase. The unemployment rate hovers unofficially above 25%, and mostly affects males under 30. This contributes to the crime rate, particularly in urban areas. False road blocks, long a favorite tactic of terror groups seeking to kill or kidnap opponents, are now used to extort money. Kidnappings are still common in the wilayas (provinces) east of Algiers, but there were no reports in 2006 of any foreigners being targeted. Family members of wealthy Algerians are the primary targets of kidnapping attempts. The level of street crime is rising, with criminals boldly victimizing people in crowded shopping areas within sight of police checkpoints. While the use of firearms by criminals is relatively rare in the city of Algiers, knives are commonly employed. These weapons are used to cut objects such as purse straps from victims, as well as to threaten bodily harm. Organized crime is a growing concern, with increased incidents of drug trafficking, counterfeiting, vehicle theft, and money laundering. In September, one American diplomat had his cell phone snatched from his hand while he was walking with two other diplomats in central Algiers near the Martrys’ Monument. Another American diplomat was robbed at knifepoint while picnicking at Palm Beach (west of Algiers) with his wife in November. There were no injuries in either case and the Gendarmerie Nationale apprehended the beach attackers within one hour of the incident.


Political Violence

Although public protest in the capital of Algiers is illegal without government permission, there are sporadic political demonstrations about international political issues. These demonstrations are usually well controlled by the Algerian government. Small-scale demonstrations also occur occasionally in the greater Algiers area to protest quality-of-life issues such as public services and road infrastructure. These have the potential to turn violent. Similar protests occur in communities throughout Algeria outside of the capital on a more or less regular basis, particularly in economically depressed areas where the government is slow to deliver social services. Most demonstrations are dispersed fairly quickly by local authorities.

Open source reporting puts the number of GSPC terrorist elements at having fewer than 1000 members. However, as a result of this new alignment with al-Qaeda, their recruiting, targeting, and tactics have changed. The group’s previous activities were generally restricted to the mountainous regions of the country, away from the capital. The government’s national reconciliation program led to a number of terror suspects to surrender to security forces, while other terrorists were captured or killed by them. The attacks against government forces continued, however, and a number of innocent civilians were victimized by GSPC attacks.


Post-specific Concerns

In addition to the potential for terrorist and criminal-related violence, there are several other potential threats for those working or traveling in Algeria. Driving in Algiers can be potentially hazardous, as most of the road infrastructure consists of extremely narrow, winding roads. Excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking are the leading causes of accidents and very often are fatal. 

The city of Algiers is built on a major fault line, and although there have been no major tremors since 2003, there have been several similar ones, including a deep 4.4 tremor centered about 60 miles outside of the city that occurred on January 3, 2006. Due to inadequate infrastructure, as well as deforestation, seasonal rains pose a flooding hazard. Roads are poorly maintained and traffic accidents are on the rise. Public transportation is poor and unreliable, and its use is not recommended.


Police Response

The police in and around Algiers are responsive to all kinds of incidents and have proven to be very effective in maintaining security. With the new shift in terrorist tactics and activity, there was a noticeable surge in police presence in and around the capital in the latter half of the year. While the police have traditionally maintained a heavy presence in Algiers, it is not yet clear whether they can adapt to counter new recruiting and attack trends. Over the last few years, the government has begun a program to increase the size of the police force by approximately 30,000 personnel. This increase in size is due to the police regaining their traditional roles and responsibilities, which were handled by the military during the conflict with the terrorists. A policy of professionalism is being pursued by the government that is expected to show results. This program, coupled with an increase in pay and benefits, is intended to lead to better quality police recruits. The heavy police presence is noticed most readily in the major cities, but it is expected that smaller cities will also benefit from increased police staffing. Police (in the cities) or Gendarmes (in the countryside) display a wide variation in training, equipment, and abilities. They can be expected to be responsive to requests for assistance, particularly from foreigners. Algerian police have standing orders to notify the appropriate embassy or consulate if a foreign national is arrested. If an American visitor is detailed, (s)he should immediately request permission to contact the Consular Officer of the U.S. Embassy. The police emergency number is 17, but it is unlikely that the phone will be answered by an English-speaking officer.


Medical Emergencies

Some doctors in Algeria have received training in Western Europe or the United States, but the level of expertise or resources that will be available to visitors to the country varies widely. If visitors do not have a contact for medical services in the country, hotel staff should be able to identify an appropriate medical facility in an emergency. Should a serious medical issue arise, medical evacuation to an appropriate facility outside the country is advised. Travelers should have adequate insurance to cover treatment as well as evacuation.


How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Travelers to Algiers should use the same common sense security measures they would use in any other large city. Travelers should maintain a high level of vigilance while on public streets and keep personal belongings in secure places. It is not advisable for women to be unaccompanied on the street, especially at night. Unaccompanied women can be subject to harassment, heckling, and unwanted advances. Visitors should dress conservatively in order to deflect unnecessary attention to themselves and keep a low profile. Cell phones, wallets, and handbags are often attractive items for thieves, particularly in “snatch-and-grab” scenarios. Be extremely cautious and vigilant at roadblocks and stop only for uniformed police. 

Lastly, Algiers is a cash society and there are very few places that accept credit cards besides the major hotels. It is not recommended that you use credit cards outside of reputable businesses and establishments. Travel as much as possible with local contacts and in groups. The Embassy strongly recommends that visitors avoid traveling outside major cities at night and overland between distant destinations. The use of local facilitators and/or security services is highly recommended.

All visitors in country should register with the Embassy upon arrival in the country and remain informed on broad security issues associated with Algeria (see http://travel.state.gov).


For Further Information

Contact numbers of the U.S. Embassy Algiers are as follows:

(Country Code 213)
Main Embassy Switchboard: 21-69-12-55; 69-32-22; 69-11-86; 69-14-25
Consular: ext 2020 or 2024
Security: ext 2280
Embassy Duty Officer: 70-99-07-00
RSO Duty Officer: 70-39-00-11


OSAC Country Council

Algeria has a very active OSAC Country Council. Interested parties can visit the Algiers Country Council website at http://algiers.osac.gov and contact the Council directly, or they can go through the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy Algiers at 213-21-69-12-55, ext 2280.