Algerian paper: Hassan Hattan is still alive

The Algerian "Sawt al-Ahrar " said according to a security source that the founder of al-Salafeyah group for call and fighting Hassan Hattab is still alive in contrary to what was confirmed by " L expression" on May 11th that Hattab was executed " by the end of the Summer of 2003 at the orders of his Aides, mainly the second man in the group Ammar al-Sayefi better known as al-Bara " the parachutist " and his succession for heading the group Nabil Sahrwai, better known as Ibrahim Musstafa.

The security source indicated to " Sawt al-Ahrar " that Hattab is still active in Teizi Ozo area " ( to the east of the capital). The source related its statement to the testimony of one armed Islamists who surrendered last week to the security forces.

The security source stressed that the Algerian army has been launching since three days a mopping up operation in Seidi Ali Bunab wood near Teizi Ozo where the " most important residence for Hattab and his group." Since several months news have been contradictory on the fate of Hassan Hattab who was said repeatedly to have be killed .