Algeria: Army Chief survives deadly assassination attempt that kills 6

Algeria’s army chief, Gen. Saïd Chengriha, has escaped lately an assassination attempt that has given rise to all sorts of speculations among security and military ranks, according to leaked intelligence reports.

A car bomb has targeted the General’s convoy, leading to a deadly collision and fire that claimed six lives. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed. No group or organization has claimed responsibility for the high-profile assassination attempt which comes amid a heightened tension in the country wherein people are suffering from lack of drinking water, milk, cooking oil, lentils, beans…

The bombing also comes ahead of the early presidential election scheduled for Sept.07. President Abdelmajid Tebboune, 79, is very likely to stand for a second term as his major opponents are jailed or exiled, while the army high command and General Mohamed ‘Toufik’ Mediène are reportedly opposed to a second term.

The failed attack reflects the struggle for power which is intensifying in the country reeling under unprecedented growing social, economic and political crises. Divisions inside the military establishment are deepening, threatening to destabilize further the regime which is rocked by a series of corruption and drugs trafficking scandals involving powerful Generals.

Arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, crackdown and persecution of human rights activists intensified under the pretext of threats to national security.

According to some analysts, if Chengriha, de facto ruler, does not change course and stands with the enemies of the West, he risks removal by the Army. However, the major determinants of his fate are challenging domestic issues.

Although the international relations and oil price on the global market are always important, the biggest problem facing Algeria lies within the regime itself as several generals, many of whom held powerful positions, are currently in prison.

Their continued imprisonment on highly questionable charges could become explosive, while their release could open up equally dangerous and wholly unpredictable recriminatory actions, according to experts’ warnings.