Algeria confirms shake-up among top military brass

By Abdul Razak bin Abdullah

ALGIERS

The Algerian Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed reports of major changes to the country’s military command hierarchy.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed that Said Chenagriha, commander of Algeria’s third military zone, would replace Ahcene Tager -- who is retiring -- as chief of the country’s ground forces.

The same statement also confirmed that Major-General Hamid Boumaiza would assume the role of air force chief, replacing Major-General Abdelkader Lounes, who is also reportedly retiring.

The replacements follow a raft of similar changes unveiled by officials earlier this week.

On Monday, the Defense Ministry announced that Mohamed Zanakhri, the ministry’s secretary-general, had been sacked -- and replaced by General Hamid Ghraise -- on the orders of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Since the beginning of 2018, Bouteflika has replaced several senior security officials, including the chief of Algeria’s Defense Ministry-affiliated gendarmerie and the country’s chief of police.

By Abdul Razak bin Abdullah

ALGIERS

The Algerian Defense Ministry on Wednesday confirmed reports of major changes to the country’s military command hierarchy.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed that Said Chenagriha, commander of Algeria’s third military zone, would replace Ahcene Tager -- who is retiring -- as chief of the country’s ground forces.

The same statement also confirmed that Major-General Hamid Boumaiza would assume the role of air force chief, replacing Major-General Abdelkader Lounes, who is also reportedly retiring.

The replacements follow a raft of similar changes unveiled by officials earlier this week.

Since the beginning of 2018, Bouteflika has replaced several senior security officials, including the chief of Algeria’s Defense Ministry-affiliated gendarmerie and the country’s chief of police.