Leader of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Sellami Abdelmalek Algiers – Hocine Bousaleh Leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), Sellami Abdelmalek, has returned to Algeria’s Constantine district for questioning. The 37-year-old, believed to be one of the most dangerous leaders of Abdelmalek Droukdel’s organisation in eastern Algeria was apprehended in July in the eastern coastal city of Annaba in an ambush set up by security and intelligence services.
The authorities found a Kalashnikov machine gun, ammunition and wireless communication devices in his possession.
Initial questioning of Abdelmalek has revealed that his presence in Annaba was part of a plan to bring terrorism to the coastal city during the summer season and Ramadan by performing attacks on public and security establishments.
The judicial questioning of the terror chief, who reportedly managed 50 gunmen in his unit, is a serious blow to the militant groups active in the east of the country. Abdelmalek is known as the \'black box\' of AQIM.
He joined the militant groups across the region in the summer of 1996 and has since been entrusted with various posts in the terror organisations.  His career began at Armed Islamic Group (GIA), until his recent announcement that he and his lieutenant had joined the Sillini’s Edough brigade in AQIM.
The terror chief, believed to be responsible for planning terrorist operations in eastern Algeria, has been implicit in several acts of terror, including the assassination of foreign diplomats in 2001 in the city of Berhal.
Former colleagues of Abdelmalek who have announced their repentance from terror have also reported his involvement in other operations.
He is known for wielding control over his operatives using his education, enabling him to rise through the ranks, becoming a member of AQIM head, Abdelmalek Droukdel’s inner circle.  
In the course of the questioning, Abdelmalek will be confronted with evidence of his involvement in terror crimes to solicit confessions. A report of the questioning will later be presented to the court responsible.
In relevant news, the residents of the town of Ahl el-Qasr in Bouira Province, fought and chased off a band of terrorists that tried to rob the only fuel station in the area in the early hours of Monday morning.
Eyewitnesses said around seven gunmen had tried to break into the fuel station at approximately 0800 hrs. The barking of guard dogs alerted the residents to suspicious activities and they grabbed their hunting rifles and headed towards the station. The gunmen fled when the residents fired their rifles.