Changes in the Algerian army covered 14 high ranking army officers

The Algerian presidency has announced that in his capacity as minister of national defense, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika made on Thursday a series of sudden amendments to the military establishment that targeted some 14 senior army officers.

But the changes did not include the army chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Muhammad al-Ammar; the chief of the intelligence, Lt. Gen Muhammad Medyan, better known as "Tawfiq"; or the chairman of the spying fighting department, Lt. Gen. Ismael al-Ammari.

Lt. Gen. Sharif Fadeel, who is in charge of fighting terrorism was appointed as a leader for the first military district (Blida) in succession for Lt. Gen. Rabah Bu Ghabeh; Lt. Gen. Hussein Tafer was appointed as leader for the third military district (Tandouf) in succession for Lt. Gen. Al-Zubeir Ghdedeyah; Lt. Gen. Saeed Bai was appointed as a leader for the fifth military district (Qusantinah) in succession of Lt. Gen Ali Jamai; Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Balgardouh as commander for the sixth military district Tmersant) in succession of Lt. Gen Muhammad Qadri.

The commanders of the second military district (Oran) and the fourth military district (Ouargla) kept their posts. Ahmad Bu Steila was appointed as commander of the police in succession of Lt. Gen. al-Tayeb Dirdji. Ibrahim Dadsi was made leader of the naval force in succession of Lt. Gen. Shaaban al-Ghadban. Ali Jumaa became commander of the Republic's Guards (presidential guards) in succession of Lt. Gen. Makhlouf Deib.

Since his election in April 1999, the Algerian president has been striving to achieve political and economic reforms, despite rumors saying that the army is disturbing Bouteflika's efforts to this end.