Algeria intensifies security around Adrar energy refinery

Algerian forces are concerned about armed group attacking energy facilities An Algerian security source has revealed that authorities have formulated a plan to provide top-level security to personnel working at the OPSA oil and gas refinery in Adrar, southern Algeria. The security plan has been put together after last month's attack on In Amenas gas facility in Tiguentourine, with fears that armed groups may continue to target economic and security installations in the Algerian desert.
OPSA oil refinery employs a large number of French nationals, and Algerian authorities think the site may be targeted due to its close proximity to the border area with Mali, where French troops are fighting militants.
The source said that French forces have launched an operation to protect workers, while Algerian army officers have intensified their presence around foreign oil exploration firms.
In a related development, Algerian authorities have broken a smuggling ring after investigators found that SUV vehicles sent to northern Mali were being used by armed groups.
A court in Tamanrasset charged three people from the area of ??Ain Gazzam, of forgery and smuggling cars across the borders. Officials said the men bought SUV cars and smuggled them to be sold to armed groups in northern Mali.
On Tuesday, Algerian foreign minister Mourad Medelci called on Malian authorities to drop arms and resolve the current crisis through political dialogue.
Speaking at a press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart, Naqla Maladenov, Medelci said, "dialogue is important to the people of Mali themselves, so they have to resolve the crisis and sit at the dialogue table."
Medlci renewed the call for a political solution to the crisis in Mali, emphasising that Malian, French and UN officials are keen on pushing for a political solution.
Bulgarian foreign minister Maladenov reiterated his country's support for a political solution in northern Mali, in parallel with the military pressure from French troops, assisted by Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) forces.
He said that the European Union would hold a debate about providing Malian authorities with assistance in rebuilding security institutions.