Algeria foils armed attack by separatists backed by Israel

Algerian security forces have undermined a plot to carry out an armed attack on its soil by separatists backed by Israel and a North African country, state TV said yesterday.

Seventeen members of a separatist group that authorities have declared a terrorist organisation called MAK were arrested and documents indicating continuous contact with the “the Zionist entity” were found, the channel reported. Weapons were also seized.

In August, the government accused MAK and another group of being behind the devastating forest fires which hit several provinces in Algeria, including Tizi Ouzou.

Algeria also cut diplomatic relations with Morocco, citing what it called hostile actions by its most populous neighbour with which it has had strained relations for decades.

Algiers accused Rabat of depleting its abilities and obstructing its development, as well as attempting to sow sedition among its people.

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