Algerian Army Kills Three Moroccan Drug Traffickers in Border Ambush

Three Moroccan drug traffickers were killed and a fourth arrested during an Algerian army ambush near the Algeria–Morocco border in Béchar province, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Thursday.

The Ministry of National Defense (MDN) said the operation took place on the evening of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the Ghenama region of the wilaya of Béchar. Joint units from the People’s National Army, border guards, and Algerian customs carried out the ambush as part of ongoing efforts to secure the country’s borders and combat organized crime.

According to the statement, the three traffickers killed were identified as Adda Abdallah, Azza Mohamed, and Sarfaga Kandoussi, all Moroccan nationals. A fourth suspect, Azza Mimoun, was arrested alive during the operation.

The MDN explained that the group attempted to exploit poor weather conditions affecting several regions of the country to carry out their smuggling activities. Security forces intervened before the traffickers could cross deeper into Algerian territory.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 74 kilograms of processed cannabis, a hunting rifle, binoculars, four mobile phones, and other equipment used for smuggling.

The ministry praised the operation, describing it as evidence of the high level of vigilance and readiness of the armed forces. It also warned that any attempt to violate Algeria’s territorial integrity would be met with firm and decisive action.

Algerian authorities continue to intensify their fight against drug trafficking along the western border. In 2025 alone, security services seized more than 35 tons of drugs originating from Morocco, underscoring the scale of the challenge and the ongoing security response.