al-Qaeda Organization suggests that it may attempt to target government institutions

The al-Qaeda Organization in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) posted a statement on the Internet on 2 September 2008 suggesting that it may attempt to target government institutions, including the presidential headquarters in El-Mouradia suburb of the capital city of Algiers. The Internet statement also took responsibility for a recent ambush of a military convoy, which killed five soldiers at a roadblock on a road between Batna and Marouana. El-Maouradia suburb is under strict security measures, and all roads leading to the presidential headquarters have recently been closed due to terror-related security concerns, following several recent high-profile bombings and increased terror activity in and around Algiers. Security forces have recently stepped up anti-terror measures and military operations against militants throughout the country.