The new group rose to prominence after the government declared an amnesty for Islamic rebels in January 2000. Although several thousand fighters surrendered their weapons, the GSPC refused the amnesty - and emerged as Algeria's most potent and dangerous terrorist group.
In five years the GSPC has grown from a force numbering 700 rebels to today's estimated 4000. Following its leader's exhortation to spare civilians, its main target has been the security forces. The U.S. State Department says the GSPC is reckoned to be the "most effective remaining armed group" and the "largest, most active terrorist organisation" in Algeria today.
Trevor Royle
Article reprinted courtesy of Scotland’s Sunday Herald: http://www.sundayherald.com
The Sunday Herald is proud to be the official media sponsor of Celtic Connections
http://www.celticconnections.co.uk
In five years the GSPC has grown from a force numbering 700 rebels to today's estimated 4000. Following its leader's exhortation to spare civilians, its main target has been the security forces. The U.S. State Department says the GSPC is reckoned to be the "most effective remaining armed group" and the "largest, most active terrorist organisation" in Algeria today.
Trevor Royle
Article reprinted courtesy of Scotland’s Sunday Herald: http://www.sundayherald.com
The Sunday Herald is proud to be the official media sponsor of Celtic Connections
http://www.celticconnections.co.uk