Insurgency in the Maghreb (2002–present)

An Islamist insurgency is taking place in the Maghreb region of North Africa, followed on from the end of the Algerian Civil War in 2002. The Algerian militant group Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) allied itself with al-Qaeda to eventually become al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The Algerian and other Maghreb governments fighting the militants have worked with the United States and the United Kingdom since 2007, when Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara began. Quotes It was these Berber armies from the Moor ethnicity in the Sahara that conquered North Africa and a part of southern Spain between the 11th and 12th centuries. In taking this name, the new group is drawing on that history and the role that dynasty played in spreading Islam into West Africa. The name also reflects the militants' desire to unite and regroup following losses in Mali, Said by Sambe published on August 23, 2013 Each of those three organisations is by itself a dangerous and worrisome threat. What really concerns me is the indications that the three organisations are seeking to co-ordinate and synchronise their efforts – in other words, to establish a co-operative effort amongst the three most violent organisations … And I think that's a real problem for us and for African security in general. Most notably I would say that the linkages between AQIM and Boko Haram are probably the most worrisome in terms of the indications we have that they are likely sharing funds, training and explosive materials. Africa's Islamist militants 'co-ordinate efforts in threat to continent's security' External link Category:Conflicts