Army General Saïd Chanegriha, state minister to the Minister of National Defense (MDN) and chief of staff of the People’s National Army (PNA), visited the Tébessa military sector under the 5th Military Region this Saturday to inspect detachments that took part in an operation conducted as part of the counterterrorism fight on March 12 and 13, 2026. This was announced in a statement from the MDN.
The PNA chief of staff was accompanied on this visit by Major General Noureddine Hambli, commander of the 5th Military Region. The field mission aimed to assess the operation’s progress and meet with the military units involved in this action, described as “qualitative” in the fight against terrorist groups.
According to the same source, the operation in this border region resulted in the neutralization of seven terrorists and the recovery of seven Kalashnikov-type submachine guns, along with a quantity of ammunition and various items. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of PNA units’ operations in tracking down remnants of terrorist groups still active in certain areas.
On site, Army General Chanegriha addressed the military personnel involved in the operation. He offered his condolences for their comrades who fell in the line of duty during the holy month of Ramadan, praising their spirit of sacrifice and the courage they demonstrated in the field. He also highlighted the heroic actions of the soldiers who participated in the intervention, noting that their commitment exemplifies the sense of duty and professionalism that define PNA forces.
On this occasion, the chief of staff conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Republic President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, supreme commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, for the efforts made in preserving the country’s security and stability.
Following the meeting, Army General Chanegriha issued “a set of guidelines and instructions to military personnel,” the source stated. He urged them to redouble their efforts to safeguard national territory and protect citizens, while continuing the fight against remnants of terrorist groups with determination, pride, and devotion to what he called a “sacred duty.”
In this context, the PNA chief of staff also emphasized the relevance of the strategy adopted by the armed forces against terrorist groups, stating that the approach implemented on the ground has proven effective in neutralizing threats and advancing the goal of eradicating this phenomenon from national territory once and for all.
This visit is part of the high command’s regular monitoring of operations conducted by PNA units in the field, particularly in sensitive areas, to support engaged forces and strengthen coordination in combating security threats. It also underscores the armed forces’ unwavering determination to maintain vigilance and sustain efforts to ensure the country’s security and stability.
President Offers Condolences
Republic President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed his sincere condolences on Friday to the families of the three soldiers who fell in the line of duty in the 5th Military Region, assuring them of his deep compassion.
In his message, the head of state recalled that these soldiers lost their lives while bravely defending Algeria and its security against the “remnants of the forces of evil and terrorist obscurantism.”
“While offering our condolences to all personnel of the People’s National Army (PNA), we bow in piety before the memory of these martyrs and their pure souls, praying to Almighty Allah to welcome them into His vast paradise and surround them with His holy mercy during these last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement reads.
For his part, Army General Saïd Chanegriha, state minister to the Minister of National Defense and PNA chief of staff, extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, praying to Almighty Allah to grant them strength and courage and to receive the deceased in His great mercy.
The presidents of the parliament’s two chambers also offered their condolences to the families and PNA military personnel. Nation Council President Azouz Nasri addressed “his sincere condolences to all PNA members and the families of the three soldiers who fell as martyrs, praying to Allah to welcome them into His vast paradise and inspire patience and serenity in their loved ones. Eternal merit and glory belong to our martyrs.”
National People’s Assembly President Ibrahim Boughali, for his part, stated: “We extend our deepest condolences and full compassion to all PNA members and the families of the three soldiers who sacrificed themselves to defend the country and its security against the remnants of the forces of evil and terrorism. May God welcome them in His mercy and grant patience to their loved ones.”
It should be noted that this human loss occurred during a successful counterterrorism operation conducted by the PNA in the Tébessa military sector, in the 5th Military Region. “PNA detachments neutralized three other terrorists the day before last, bringing the total toll to seven terrorists killed, including two emirs, Youcef Salah and Haddad Bilal,” an MDN statement reported.
The operation led to the recovery of seven Kalashnikov-type submachine guns, along with a significant quantity of ammunition and other items, the MDN added.