
Zainab Ghebbache, a student with dual Algerian and Italian nationality, achieved a perfect score of 100/100 with "e Lode" with honors on the Italian Baccalaureate, known as the Esame di Maturità, in Belluno, Veneto. She was one of only six students at Renier High School to reach this academic distinction this year. Despite her literary background and passion for poetry, Ghebbache plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the University of Padua, aiming to establish herself as a woman in a scientific field. She also intends to earn a university degree in literature within the next two decades to continue her writing. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Algerian community in Italy, with the Federation of Algerian Students and Executives in Italy, through its founding president Houari Chelakh, congratulating her and her family. The federation expressed hope that Ghebbache will serve as a role model for future generations and a "worthy ambassador of Algeria" abroad.

The Global Peace Index GPI 2026, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, reveals that global peace has declined for the 12th consecutive year. The report, based on 23 indicators including crime levels, internal conflicts, political stability, and militarization, shows a record number of active wars since 1945. Iceland maintains its position as the safest country for the 19th year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland. Countries like Sudan, DR Congo, and Ukraine are at the bottom of the ranking, with Myanmar being the most critical in the Asia-Pacific region and Russia at the global bottom. Algeria is ranked 91st globally with a score of 2053 points, a slight drop of five positions from the previous edition. In the MENA region, Algeria is 8th, following Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, and close behind Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia. Notably, Algeria surpasses France in the ranking, with France at a concerning 99th place among 163 nations.
Must ReadEngineering studies for Algeria's 1,400 km South-South water transfer project, designed to link Timimoun to Tindouf and supply the Gara Djebilet mining complex, are entering their final phase. This project is crucial for water security and industrialization in Algeria's Southwest. The engineering firm announced that the final phase, which includes topographic surveys, geotechnical soil investigations, and detailed study development, is 70% complete. Farid Djilali, director of the engineering firm, stated that the first two phases, involving data collection, solution identification, and technical option definition, are finished, and the project is on schedule. The studies are expected to conclude by the end of August, paving the way for administrative and technical procedures before construction begins. The main pipeline will span 1,300 to 1,400 kilometers, making it one of the country's longest water transfer conduits, complemented by a 600 km secondary network. The route originates from Ihraran in Ougrout Timimoun wilaya, crosses Béni Abbès and Béchar wilayas, and reaches Tindouf and the Gara Djebilet region. Three pumping stations will be built in Béni Abbès to maintain hydraulic pressure. This water transfer is vital for the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit, which holds over 3.5 billion tons of iron ore. The project, set to launch in 2025, aims to reinforce drinking water supply for local populations, support agricultural development, and meet the substantial water needs of

Algeria is experiencing an intense heatwave, with the National Office of Meteorology ONM issuing special bulletins confirming extreme temperatures across much of the country. On Monday, July 13, temperatures were expected to reach up to 49°C in parts of the Grand South, specifically in Adrar, In Salah, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar, persisting until at least Tuesday. Northern wilayas are also affected, with areas like Mascara, Relizane, Chlef, Aïn Defla, Tizi Ouzou, M’Sila, and Guelma experiencing 44-45°C on Monday, potentially rising to 46-47°C on Tuesday. Other northern wilayas, including Sidi Bel Abbès, Saïda, Tiaret, Tissemsilt, Médéa, Djelfa, Bouira, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Sétif, Mila, Constantine, Souk Ahras, Batna, Oum El Bouaghi, Khenchela, and Tébessa, are under surveillance for temperatures between 44 and 45°C, also until Tuesday. Coastal wilayas such as Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, and El Tarf are seeing sustained heat of 40-42°C, with inland areas reaching 44-46°C. In addition to the heat, the ONM has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms with rain in the Grand South, affecting Tamanrasset, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, and In Guezzam, from 3 PM Monday until 3 AM Tuesday. This heatwave follows previous alerts, with temperatures of 45-48°C reported in over 35 wilayas on July 12, and a double alert for heatwave and thunderstorms on July 11. The lack of nocturnal recovery, with morning temperatures remaining high 25-28°C in the North, 30-35°C in the South, exacerbates health risks
Must ReadAlgeria has emerged as the top Arab nation in education expenditure, dedicating a record 9% of its Gross Domestic Product GDP to the sector. This places Algeria ahead of all other Arab countries included in a ranking based on data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, published by Our World in Data. The statistics highlight significant disparities in the region, with funding rates ranging from Algeria's high to a low of 1.22% in Lebanon. This indicator, which measures the share of public education spending relative to GDP, is a key international criterion for assessing government commitment to educational development and human resource valuation. Tunisia ranks second, allocating 6.73% of its GDP, followed by Kuwait in third place with 6.44%. Morocco is fourth with 6.02%, Palestine fifth with 5.43%, and Saudi Arabia sixth with 4.48%. Oman is seventh with 4.38%, ahead of the United Arab Emirates at eighth with 3.89%. Qatar and Jordan share ninth and tenth places, both allocating 3.23% of their GDP. Bahrain is eleventh with 1.89%, while Lebanon is last with 1.22%, representing the lowest investment in education in the region. The data from Our World in Data combines recent UNESCO figures, which measure current budgets including salaries, materials, and school construction, with historical data from sources like the League of Nations or the OECD. A high percentage, such as Algeria's, indicates a clear political choice and a significant
Must ReadAlgeria has emerged as a significant player in the global helium market, becoming the third-largest supplier to the United States between 2021 and 2024. During this period, Algeria supplied 10% of US helium imports, trailing Canada at 47% and Qatar at 28%, but surpassing China's 5%. This rise is attributed to increasing global demand, geopolitical shifts, and disruptions in traditional supply chains. The country holds the fourth-largest helium reserves globally, with approximately 8 billion cubic meters and an annual production of 11 million cubic meters. The state-owned company Sonatrach aims to further capitalize on this potential. The global helium market has experienced instability since February, driven by geopolitical developments in the Middle East and trade tensions between the US and China, leading to a 50% increase in helium prices. The halt of Qatari exports and reduced Chinese supply have prompted international buyers to seek new, stable sources, with Algeria benefiting from this reconfiguration. Algerian helium is a byproduct of natural gas extraction, providing a competitive advantage. Helium is a strategic resource critical for advanced industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging, and artificial intelligence, which require large volumes for cooling and purification. Algerian authorities, including the President of the Republic, are focused on strengthening the country's presence in the international helium market.

Algeria is experiencing an intense heatwave, with the National Meteorological Office issuing a special bulletin for exceptionally high temperatures. Over 35 wilayas across the country are expected to see temperatures between 45 and 48°C in the shade. This heatwave is projected to continue until at least July 20. A first group of wilayas, including Sidi Bel Abbès, Tissemsilt, Relizane, Béjaïa, M'Sila, Tiaret, Mila, Guelma, Tizi Ouzou, Chlef, Batna, Annaba, Djelfa, Constantine, Skikda, Jijel, Aïn Defla, Médéa, El Tarf, Saïda, Bouira, and Mascara, are under a direct alert. A second group, comprising Souk Ahras, Timimoun, In Salah, Laghouat, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Tamanrasset, Oum El Bouaghi, Tébessa, Sétif, Tlemcen, El Bayadh, Khenchela, Adrar, and Naâma, is also affected. The peak of the heatwave is anticipated on Monday, with interior regions of the west, center, and east expecting highs between 45 and 47°C. Coastal areas will experience temperatures between 38 and 45°C, while southern wilayas in the Sahara could reach 40 to 49°C. A significant concern is the lack of nocturnal relief, with night temperatures remaining high, between 25 and 28°C in the north and 30 to 35°C in the south, exacerbating health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and chronically ill. The Ministry of Interior advises avoiding direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, staying hydrated, and limiting travel during the hottest hours. It is also strictly forbidden to leave chil

The International Energy Agency IEA has updated its oil market forecast, anticipating a less severe decline in global oil demand for 2026 than previously projected. The organization now expects a contraction of 1 million barrels per day bpd in 2026, an improvement from the earlier estimate of 1.1 million bpd, with global consumption reaching an average of 103.5 million bpd. The IEA predicts a gradual recovery in consumption starting in late 2026, with demand expected to increase by 1.2 million bpd in the fourth quarter of 2026 after a slowdown in the first half of the year. This recovery is projected to accelerate in 2027, with demand growing by approximately 2 million bpd, although growth rates would remain below pre-crisis averages. Global oil consumption hit a low of 97.9 million bpd in May 2026, marking an annual decrease of 5.3 million bpd. However, the IEA expects this decline to moderate, forecasting a reduction of 1.7 million bpd in the third quarter before returning to growth in the final quarter. Demand could rise by over 8 million bpd by October, surpassing 2025 levels for the first time since February, driven by increased fuel consumption during the summer and deferred demand. On the supply side, the IEA projects a 3.7 million bpd decrease in global oil production for 2026, averaging 102.6 million bpd. However, supply could rebound by 7.5 million bpd in 2027, provided maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz continues to normalize. In June, global supply increased

Air Algérie has marked a significant step in its transformation with three major developments overseen by the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport. The airline received its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, named "El Hourria," initiating an acquisition program for ten such aircraft. These deliveries, scheduled between 2026 and 2027, aim to enhance the airline's medium-haul operational capacity and meet international air transport standards. The 737 MAX 8, known for its optimized fuel consumption and extended range, is part of a broader plan to acquire 18 aircraft, positioning Algiers as an air hub between Africa and Europe. Simultaneously, Air Algérie received its first ATR 72-600, named "Tassili," for its domestic subsidiary, Domestic Airlines. This is the first of 16 such aircraft designed for regional flights, intended to improve frequency and reliability on domestic routes, particularly connecting southern, high plateau, and isolated regions. This investment seeks to reduce mobility disparities and offer a credible air alternative to populations far from major roads. Two new domestic routes, from Algiers to Timimoun and El Oued, were launched on May 24, 2026. Additionally, an industrial catering unit, "Air Taste Factory," was inaugurated. This 14,250-square-meter facility can produce up to 40,000 meals daily for Air Algérie flights, addressing a previously undersized link in the service chain and enhancing passenger experience. These initiatives are part of a wide

Opel's industrial establishment project in Algeria is progressing, with Florian Huettl, CEO of the German brand, and Xavier Chéreau, Chairman of its Board of Directors, visiting Algiers in early July 2026. They met with Kamel Moula, President of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council CREA. Stellantis is evaluating two possibilities: establishing a new Opel factory in Algeria or expanding its existing industrial complex in Tafraoui, near Oran, where Fiat vehicles are already assembled. Kamel Moula stated that discussions focused on accelerating the development of Algeria's automotive industry, particularly by strengthening the industrial subcontracting base. This visit by Opel's top executives underscores the strategic importance of the Algerian market. The CREA's reception of the delegation confirms its role as a key intermediary between international manufacturers and the national industrial sector. The Opel project in Algeria was announced in early 2024 by Florian Huettl on LinkedIn, designating Algeria as the first Opel production site outside Europe. This was confirmed in January 2026 with the official announcement of future production "proudly made in Algeria." After two years of preparation, the project is entering an operational phase, with its oversight entrusted to Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb. The choice of the production site is still pending; Tafraoui offers existing infrastructure, while a new factory would allow for a customized industrial tool. Beyond the factory,
Must ReadAlgeria and Mali are moving towards normalizing their bilateral relations after more than a year of tensions. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the immediate return of Mr. Kamal Retieb, Algeria's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, to Bamako. This follows the ambassador's recall to Algiers for consultations on April 7, 2025, due to political and security differences. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this decision reflects a commitment to restore historical ties based on mutual consideration, fraternity, and cooperation, benefiting both nations and the stability of the Sahel-Saharan region and Africa. Simultaneously, the Ministry of National Defense announced the full reopening of Algerian airspace to Malian companies and aircraft, effective July 10, 2026. This measure lifts all restrictions on air links to and from Mali, re-establishing international transit corridors through Algerian airspace. These combined actions demonstrate Algeria's intention to conclude a period of turbulence and actively revive its strategic partnership with Mali.
Must ReadAlgeria's Ministry of National Defense announced on Friday, July 10, 2026, the full reopening of Algerian airspace to Malian air traffic. This decision, effective immediately, covers all commercial and international flights transiting between the two countries in both directions. The official text states that Algeria has decided to fully reopen its national airspace to Malian air traffic, encompassing all flights to and from Mali through various international destinations. This move signifies a new phase in relations between Algeria and Mali, following a period of diplomatic tensions during which Algeria's airspace was closed to Malian flights. The reopening restores strategic air corridors, as Algeria's central geographical position in North Africa makes its airspace crucial for many routes connecting sub-Saharan Africa to Europe or the Middle East. This normalization benefits Malian passengers and economic operators in both countries. The decision aligns with Algeria's broader strategy to intensify its aviation presence on the continent, with Air Algérie expanding its routes to sub-Saharan and southern Africa, aiming to become a regional air hub.
Must ReadAlgeria's Civil Protection services reported 119 fires affecting forests, agricultural crops, and palm groves across several wilayas between Thursday morning and Friday morning. While most fires were brought under control, one forest fire in Guigba, Kalaâ Bousbaa municipality, Guelma wilaya, was still active. Four other fires were under surveillance to prevent reignition. The fires impacted various wilayas including Béjaïa, Blida, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel, Sétif, Saïda, Skikda, Sidi Bel Abbès, and Guelma, with ground resources and water-bombing aircraft deployed in some areas. Agricultural lands, orchards, and palm groves were also affected in numerous wilayas such as Adrar, Chlef, Oum El Bouaghi, Batna, and Tlemcen, where a fire impacting fruit trees remains under surveillance. Amidst a continuing heatwave expected until Sunday, July 12, with temperatures reaching 46 °C, the Civil Protection reiterated calls for caution. Recommendations include limiting sun exposure for vulnerable groups, keeping homes cool, avoiding intense physical activity during peak heat, and for motorists to avoid long journeys in non-air-conditioned vehicles. The public is also reminded not to swim in unauthorized water bodies and to prevent any actions that could start fires in forested areas. Emergency services can be contacted via 14 or 1021.

Algeria has retained its status as an upper-middle-income country in the World Bank's 2026-2027 income classification update. This places Algeria among eight African states in this category, which includes economies with a gross national income GNI per capita, calculated using the Atlas method, between $4,636 and $14,375 annually. The World Bank updates this classification annually on July 1st, using it as an international benchmark for comparing economies and guiding financing and technical assistance policies. The new thresholds for 2026-2027 account for global inflation and adjustments to the Atlas method, which smooths exchange rate fluctuations for a more stable GNI per capita measurement. In North Africa, Algeria and Libya are classified as upper-middle-income countries, while Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt remain in the lower-middle-income category. Algeria's GNI per capita is approximately $6,051, exceeding the $4,636 minimum for the upper-middle-income category. The World Bank emphasizes that this classification is based on GNI per capita, not GDP, and considers wealth produced by residents, including income earned abroad. The Atlas method mitigates the effects of exchange rate variations and inflation for reliable comparisons. The classification divides countries into four categories: low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income. The World Bank clarifies that this classification is a statistical tool for comparing countries based on GNI per cap

Algérie Télécom received an international award at the World Summit on the Information Society WSIS Forum in Geneva for its initiative "AI for Digital Inclusion" AIDI. The recognition, granted by the International Telecommunication Union ITU, highlights a project that uses artificial intelligence technologies to support digital transformation and promote broader access to digital tools. The AIDI project earned a certificate of recognition from the ITU after being selected among initiatives honored in the "Information and Communication Technology ICT Infrastructure" category. The award ceremony, held during the WSIS Forum from July 6 to 10, was attended by the Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki. The document bears the signature of ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin. Through this award, the ITU acknowledges the project's contribution to strengthening digital transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Algérie Télécom's AIDI project focuses on using artificial intelligence to facilitate access to digital services, aligning with the development of technological infrastructures and the integration of new digital solutions. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications views this award as confirmation of Algeria's position in digital innovation and its efforts in utilizing artificial intelligence to foster digital inclusion and develop technological infrastructures. The WSIS Forum annually convenes projects related to information an
Must ReadThe International Monetary Fund IMF has issued a positive assessment of Algeria's economic reforms following a two-week mission to Algiers from June 16 to June 30. The IMF highlighted the country's progress in economic diversification, particularly efforts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons by developing agricultural and mining sectors. The institution also commended Algeria's removal from the Financial Action Task Force FATF grey list, citing it as a significant achievement in financial governance and a testament to the government's commitment to strengthening its regulatory framework against money laundering and terrorist financing. The IMF noted initiatives in financial modernization, including the introduction of the first sovereign Sukuk and anticipated financial support from a regional development bank. Analysts also recognized Algeria's geostrategic advantages and energy potential as key factors for its role as a major supplier in European and African markets. The IMF projects a 3.8% GDP growth for the current year, driven by strong hydrocarbon prices, which is expected to boost export revenues and reduce the external deficit, contributing to a positive economic trajectory.
Must ReadOn July 2, 2026, the Tessala LNG tanker arrived at the Wilhelmshaven 1 floating regasification terminal in Germany, carrying a liquefied natural gas LNG cargo from Sonatrach. This marks the first direct delivery of LNG by the Algerian energy group to the German market, signifying a new phase in its export strategy and European gas supply. The cargo, loaded at the GL2Z liquefaction complex in Bethioua, Algeria, reflects Sonatrach's deliberate effort to diversify its client base beyond traditional markets like France, Spain, and Italy. Germany, as Europe's largest economy, imports approximately a quarter of the continent's pipeline gas. While Algerian gas previously reached Germany via the interconnected European network, this direct LNG delivery demonstrates Sonatrach's commercial flexibility. The Algerian group aims to sustain and develop its exports to Germany, indicating a long-term presence rather than a one-off transaction. This LNG delivery builds on existing energy ties between Algeria and Germany; since late 2024, Algerian gas has officially supplied the German market through the Transmed pipeline. VNG, Germany's primary gas distributor, considers Sonatrach a key supplier alongside Norway. Ulf Heitmüller, CEO of VNG, stated that the company diversifies its gas sources, primarily from Norway and Algeria, and LNG from countries like the United States. This positions Algeria as a significant energy provider for Europe. Sonatrach's entry into the German market is part of a
Must ReadAlgeria has emerged as the second-largest global importer of Ukrainian wheat during the 2025/26 cereal campaign, which concluded on June 30. The country imported 2.78 million tons of Ukrainian wheat for human and animal consumption, according to figures from the Ukrainian Grain Association UGA reported by Delo.ua. Egypt ranked first with 3.86 million tons, while Indonesia was third with 2.07 million tons. This places Algeria ahead of countries like Spain, Vietnam, Tunisia, and Lebanon, even as Ukraine's overall wheat exports declined by 12% year-on-year. Algeria's consistent purchasing strategy, involving almost monthly tenders by the Algerian Interprofessional Office of Cereals OAIC from suppliers including Ukraine, Canada, and Europe, is driven by high domestic consumption. Algerians consume approximately 110 kilograms of bread per capita annually, making it the second-highest consumer globally after Turkey. Public subsidies keep bread prices low, making soft wheat imports a significant part of the country's import bill. While Algeria aims to increase domestic production of durum wheat, which is better suited to its climate and used for couscous and pasta, soft wheat production faces challenges due to drought, necessitating continued reliance on imports. In parallel with international purchases, Algeria is investing in agricultural projects, expanding irrigated areas in the South, engaging private investors in intensive cereal farming, and developing strategic storage capac

Bruno Retailleau, a candidate for the 2027 French presidential elections, has outlined new proposals aimed at restricting migratory flows into France. Key measures include a "drastic" reduction in family reunification and ending automatic aid for foreigners. Retailleau, leader of Les Républicains LR, supports abolishing birthright citizenship for French nationality, arguing that the "assimilation" expected in return for nationality for those born on French territory "no longer works." He also plans to drastically reduce family reunification and end automatic aid for foreigners, requiring five years of legal presence and work before eligibility. If elected, he promises France will join a "coalition of states" advocating for strict immigration policies, similar to Italy. Retailleau intends to challenge European rules to strictly limit the validity of territorialized visas to the issuing country. He also stated that "the future of Africa is not in Europe, but on the African continent," and that "climate change does not serve as a pretext for a change of civilization." Retailleau aims to "convince" the French public of his firm stance on immigration, dismissing competition with other political figures like Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is scheduled for an official state visit to Berlin on July 16, 2026, as confirmed by the German presidency. He will be received with military honors and hold discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This visit, initially announced in May by Germany's ambassador to Algeria, Georg Felsheim, underscores the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship. The agenda is expected to focus heavily on economic cooperation, particularly in energy, with Algerian gas and green hydrogen being key topics. Sonatrach has already established itself as a significant supplier to major German operators. Beyond energy, industrial collaboration is anticipated, with German companies exploring opportunities in Algeria's automotive sector to increase local integration and establish joint ventures. Discussions will also cover scientific research, support for startups, and investments in renewable energies. French media are closely following the visit, with hopes that President Tebboune might grant a presidential pardon to French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in Algeria for "apology of terrorism." The director-general of Reporters Without Borders, Thibaut Bruttin, confirmed ongoing contacts with German and Spanish authorities regarding Gleizes' situation.

Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations, visited Algiers on July 6 and 7 to oversee the Summer Clinics 2026, marking Algeria's official entry into the Real Madrid Foundation's global network. With over 300 young participants already enrolled since June 21, the program aims to establish Algeria as a key hub in North Africa. The Educational Football Program, active in over sixty-six countries, focuses on nine core values: leadership, discipline, humility, friendship, effort, teamwork, respect, tolerance, and solidarity. Algerian coaches are trained in Real Madrid's methods and supervised by Spanish technicians. The operational model involves Spanish coaches rotating to different regions to ensure consistent quality. Butragueño stated that Algeria has the qualities to become a pillar for the program in North Africa, comparing its potential to Turkey, which serves as a Mediterranean reference model. Adyl Tandjaoui, CEO of MENA Elite Sports Management, the local partner, emphasized that the Summer Clinics are a foundation for a long-term architecture, with plans to integrate the full Educational Football Program into the school calendar with permanent technical supervision.

The European Parliament has launched an official investigation into the "Europe of Sovereign Nations" ENS political party, with which Eric Zemmour's Reconquête movement is affiliated. This procedure follows statements deemed incompatible with the fundamental values of the European Union. The parliamentary initiative stems from a report by the Authority for European Political Parties, which lists several publications by ENS members. These include a post by a Slovak elected official comparing a Sudanese migrant to a "psychopath, repulsive and filthy," and two videos by Eric Zemmour. One of Zemmour's videos discusses the Louvre Museum robbery, asserting that the theft is a "daily jihad." Following the spectacular theft of eight Crown jewels from the Louvre, valued at 88 million euros, Eric Zemmour reacted to the arrest of two suspects from Seine-Saint-Denis. The Reconquête party leader used this incident to make a political point, stating on social media that the affair symbolized how "immigration steals French civilization." Citing the profiles of the two suspects, who were attempting to flee to Algeria and Mali, Zemmour described the theft as an example of "daily jihad." He publicly equated immigration with a delinquent "occupation army," linking this robbery to other criminal cases to denounce a global "plunder" targeting France and its treasures. In his statements, the politician specifically targeted the Algerian community in France, exclaiming, "Algeria now enters the scen

The research and intervention brigade of the Oran wilaya security dismantled an international criminal network specializing in organizing clandestine sea crossings. The operation led to the arrest of 23 individuals, including 18 Moroccan nationals, as confirmed by a statement from the General Directorate of National Security. Investigators precisely reconstructed the network's modus operandi, including gathering circuits, travel itineraries, and accommodation for candidates. Five individuals, identified as the masterminds, were initially apprehended. Following these arrests, authorities located and searched an apartment used as a clandestine transit point, where the 18 Moroccan nationals were found, awaiting embarkation to European coasts. This type of transit apartment is characteristic of organized smuggling networks. Oran, due to its geographical position on Algeria's western Mediterranean coast, is frequently a hub for such activities. A similar network, also involving a majority of Moroccan nationals using Algerian territory as a transit corridor to Europe, was tried in February 2026. Material seized during the operation included 1,600 euros in foreign currency, 240 Moroccan dirhams, 22,500 Algerian dinars in cash, and four vehicles used by the network. All 23 suspects were brought before the public prosecutor at the Fellaoucene court.

Following Morocco's 3-0 victory over Canada on Saturday, a Moroccan flag was reportedly torn, ripped, and burned in the Quatre-Chemins district of Aubervilliers. Algerian citizens are allegedly involved in the incident, which occurred on the evening of Morocco's qualification for the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Videos shared on social media purportedly show the event, where Moroccan supporters, including women with a stroller, were reportedly jostled, and their flag was destroyed by Algerian supporters. The Moroccan Embassy in France issued a statement on Monday, condemning the "exactions committed on July 4th" in Aubervilliers. The embassy stated it has "documented and authenticated evidence" showing the Moroccan flag being publicly desecrated by individuals chanting slogans indicating their Algerian origin. The embassy announced it has filed a complaint after a series of videos of the alleged incident were published. The embassy also noted that some videos were reportedly uploaded by the alleged perpetrators themselves and that the collected evidence, including "hateful and xenophobic remarks" by Algerian supporters, has been submitted to law enforcement. These tensions follow a widely publicized assault on a young Algerian supporter, Wassim, by Moroccan supporters in Boston during the World Cup.