Algerian president sacks senior army commanders

By Hassan Jebrel

ALGIERS

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Monday sacked the country’s land forces commander as well as two commanders of two military zones, according to local media.

Land Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Ahcene Tafer was replaced by Maj. Gen. Said Chenagriha who was the commander of the third military zone, according to the Tsa-algerie website.

The commander of the fourth military zone in Ouargla, Maj. Gen. Abderrazak Cherif, was replaced by Maj. Gen. Hassan Alaimia, according to the same source and the Ennahar TV channel known for being close to the Algerian presidency.

Maj. Gen. Meftah Souab, commander of the sixth military zone in Tamanrasset, was also replaced by Maj. Gen. Mohamed Adjroud.

Since the beginning of this summer, the Algerian president has carried out numerous changes, including senior military commanders, chief of national gendarmerie (a Defense Ministry-affiliated force) and the police chief.