Algeria Conducts Major Military Drills Near Moroccan Border Amid Rising Tensions

This tactical exercise with live ammunition called "El Azm 2024" took place at the "Amdoukal Firing and Maneuver Range, in the Fifth Military Region", under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, Saïd Chengriha, the Algerian army said in a statement, specifying that the units of the First Armored Division, as well as those of the Air Force and the technical support units actively participated in these maneuvers.

The exercise took place "under conditions close to reality, in accordance with the objectives set which consist in refining the skills of commanders and staff, testing operational readiness and the ability to carry out combat actions," the Algerian army details in its note.

A "deep parachute operation into enemy territory" was also carried out during these maneuvers, during which the Algerian army "clearly demonstrated the ability of the participating units in the field of planning, preparation and successful execution of the assigned missions," it is pointed out.

These military exercises are seen by some observers as a reaction by Algeria to the adoption earlier this week, during a council of ministers chaired by King Mohammed VI, of four decrees relating to the military field, including one establishing two military industrial zones dedicated to the manufacture of defense and security equipment, as well as weapons and ammunition systems.