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Bouteflika urges Algerians to remain alert amid chaos in region

Xinhua, March 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika called Saturday on his people to stay vigilant amid the chaos gripping the region, a day after militants launched a rocket attack on a gas field near the border with Libya.

Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for Friday's attack on In-Salah gas field, which caused no casualties or damage.

The group said in a statement that the attack targeted British Petroleum (BP) that operates the site.

"Today, women and men, youth and elders are required more than ever to remain unified, vigilant and mobilized in a bid to safeguard the integrity of our nation which shares frontiers with a number of violence-hit nations," Bouteflika said in a message to the nation on the occasion of the celebration of the March 19 Victory Day.

Bouteflika further urged the people to redouble efforts as to "overcome the global economic crisis that has been affecting our country following the downfall of oil prices, and to fulfill the national renewal process in all fields."

March 19 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of Evian Accords between representatives of the French government and the main Algerian nationalist party, which ended the Algerian war and led to the independence of Algeria from France after 130 years of colonialism.

Algeria has been deploying more troops on the border with troubled Libya to thwart the intrusion of militants of AQIM and other armed groups linked to the Islamic State. Endit