GSPC Founder Killed

February 2006 | Ratings Update

In an internet statement posted on January 31, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) reported the death of Ahmed Zerabib, one of the group's founders and religious leaders. Most of the 1000-1500 Islamist militants thought to still be operating belong to the GSPC. The statement said that Zerabib had been killed by security forces near the town Bejaia on an unspecified recent date. If true, the killing will be another blow to the GSPC, already weakened by successful military operations against them and by the amnesty offered by the government to rebels who give themselves up.

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