Algerian forces say arrested top member of Al-Qaeda branch

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

ALGIERS (AFP) — Algerian security services said Monday they had arrested top regional Islamic chief Fateh Bouderbala, alias Abdelfatah Abou Bassir, an alleged member of Al-Qaeda's North African branch.

"Security services, acting on a tip-off from the public, have arrested Bouderbala Fateh in the company of two of his accomplices," said a statement.

He was arrested in a safehouse, where 800 kilogrammes of explosives "ready to be used" as well as three bombs and 20 detonators were hidden, it said, adding that the three suspects did not have time to use the weapons.

Abou Bassir "admitted" to having planned to use the arsenal during the holy month of Ramadan in several attacks, security services said.

The place and time of the arrests was not given.

© 2007 AFP