Kidnapping of Spanish tourist in Southern Algeria vindicates terror warnings issued to foreigners

The Algerian military regime is keeping a very tight lid on the Spanish tourist who was abducted Wednesday in Southern Algeria, according to Spanish press reports.

Militants of the terrorist group of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara are suspected to be behind the kidnapping of the 50-year-old Spaniard. During this terror operation, other people were also captured by the armed extremists but they were released, while the Spanish national was taken as a hostage.

Last week, the UK foreign Office warned against all travel near Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia due to insecurity and increased terror threats in these regions.

The main terrorist threat is from Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and other regional Islamist groups including Al Murabitun and Daesh affiliates. There’s also a threat from individuals inspired by Daesh. These groups have been active across the country.

Terrorist groups had already kidnapped in Algeria foreigners, government officials, and civilians in the region for financial gain and for political leverage.