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Tunisia, Algeria Join Forces To Combat Growing Terror Threat

A growing terrorist threat is forcing Tunisia and Algeria to cooperate in their anti-terror efforts, reports Kaci Racelma.

Tunisian soldiers stand on their tank as they take part in a search operation for gunmen in Dernaya Mountains in the Kasserine region, near the Algerian border, on December 11, 2012. Tunisian security forces have mounted a search operation for gunmen who carried out an attack in the Kasserine region, killing a policeman, a security source said. AFP PHOTO / ABDERRAZEK KHLIFI        (Photo credit should read ABDERRAZEK KHLIFI/AFP/Getty Images)
Tunisian soldiers stand on their tank as they take part in a search operation for gunmen in Dernaya Mountains in the Kasserine region, near the Algerian border, on Dec. 11, 2012. — ABDERRAZEK KHLIFI/AFP/Getty Images

Fighting terrorism is a top priority for the governments of the Arab Maghreb Union, especially Algeria and Tunisia, so the two neighboring countries are coordinating their efforts. The international situation, the crises in Mali and Libya and insecurity in parts of Tunisia — particularly in Kasserine and Jebel Chaambi — are worrying both Algeria and Tunisia, necessitating a one-day official visit by Tunisian Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh to Algeria on Monday, April 30.

“The security of Algeria and Tunisia is a common concern,” said Laarayedh when he arrived at Algeria’s capital, Algiers, justifying the cooperation of two states with a common goal: to end the terrorism long afflicting the area.

Algeria has been fighting terrorism for more than a decade, which makes it an important country in the security sphere. Algeria’s security services are often consulted by its eastern neighbor, which is struggling to defeat the armed terrorist groups operating in Kasserine.

Recently, a grave incident happened in west Tunisia near the border with Algeria. A mine explosion seriously injured two security guards as they tried to arrest terrorists.

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