The Algerian Army has deployed an additional 3,000 troops as part of its new military strategy designed to contain terrorist movements over the country’s Saharan borders shared with Nigeria, Mali and Mauritania.

The military forces will safeguard the borders in a number of regions of southern Algeria in cooperation with border guards and the gendarmerie to prevent unauthorised border crossings by individuals and vehicles moving through restricted zones at night.

A total of eight border gates have been created along Algeria’s southern borders in a bid to significantly reduce the free movement of smugglers.

A joint military technical committee has also been formed by Algeria and Mali to address common security concerns across the borders.