Algeria detains seven suspects in coordinated forest‑fire arsons

A judge in Sidi M’hamed ordered the provisional detention of seven individuals linked to five separate cases of intentional forest fires across several Algerian wilayas. The suspects were identified through video recordings and eyewitness testimony.

The incidents involved the deliberate ignition of dry brush and cultivated land near Guelma’s Maâmouli district, in the El‑Kef Lekhal area of Constantine, a private plot in Tipaza’s Oued El‑Azayeb, a brush fire in Jijel’s Ayouf El‑Gharbi neighbourhood, and a vehicle‑based arson near the forest of Boukhalfoun in Boukarama. Damage included the loss of roughly 1,000 bundles of straw, 40 olive trees, 20 fruit trees, two stables, and extensive vegetation.

Authorities have gathered solid evidence – including direct video of at least one suspect lighting a blaze – and have moved to prosecute the individuals for arson and related offenses.