Algerian army commander General Saïd Chengriha visited the 3rd Military Region near the border with Morocco on April 23rd and 24th. According to Algerian media reports citing a Defense Ministry statement, General Chengriha observed live ammunition tactical training exercises in Béchar on Wednesday. The day before, he addressed troops in the region and ordered them to «intensify efforts to combat smuggling activities and organized crime in all forms». This directive comes amidst the ongoing closure of the Algeria-Morocco border. General Chengriha previously commanded the 3rd Military Region before his appointment as army chief in August 2018. The Tindouf camp falls under this region's administration. The timing of these live-fire exercises, near the Moroccan border and three weeks before the 2024 «African Lion» military exercise, is noteworthy. Morocco and the US co-organize this exercise, scheduled for May 20th to 31st. Interestingly, General Chengriha observed similar live-fire drills in the 3rd Military Region on May 9th, 2023, just two weeks before «African Lion 2023».
