Nine suspected arsonists have been arrested in Jijel following investigations into a series of fires that ravaged parts of the province, with four of the suspects reportedly confessing to deliberately starting fires, according to Algeria’s National Anti-Terrorism Unit prosecutor’s office in Sidi M’hamed, Algiers.
The arrests followed preliminary investigations by the National Gendarmerie into three separate arson cases involving fires in forested areas of Jijel.
In the first case, investigators identified Khaled Bouchama, Benkara Smail, and Mourad Boucheloukh as suspects in a fire deliberately started in the Boumlik area of Chakfa municipality. According to the prosecutor’s office, the blaze subsequently spread to the municipalities of Djemaa Beni Habibi, Taghrast, Bordj Tahir, Bouasfour, Achmid, Ouled Askar, and El Chahna.
Technical analysis established that the fire originated at the location where the three suspects had been present, according to investigators. The three men also reportedly confessed during questioning.
A second case concerns Mahsoul Boualem, who is accused of deliberately starting a fire in a forest in Salmi Ben Ziad. Prosecutors said the suspect lit two pieces of candle and placed them at separate locations in the forest, taking precautions to prevent the flames from being extinguished by the wind. Technical evidence and what authorities described as his explicit confession were cited in support of the case.
The third investigation involves five individuals who share the surname Zait: Zait Mohamed Larbi, Zait Zakaria, Zait Smail, Zait Aboubakr, and Zait Ayoub. They are accused of starting a fire near an orchard in the town of Bouraoui. Investigators recovered a video allegedly showing the suspects chanting “Hamra inchallah,” or “red, God willing,” according to the prosecutor’s office.
Authorities said the investigations ultimately led to the arrest of nine suspects described as belonging to the same criminal network. The prosecutor’s office stated that the investigations established their involvement in starting fires in forested areas.
The nine suspects were brought before the court and are being prosecuted for the misdemeanor of “acts of sabotage intended to endanger the lives, safety, and property of persons” and the felony of “arson in state-owned forest lands.” The charges are based on Article 87-bis of the Penal Code and Article 138 of the Law on Forests and Forest Resources, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Following questioning by the investigating judge, all nine suspects were remanded in custody. The proceedings remain subject to the judicial process, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the recent fires continue.
The Jijel arrests form part of a broader security investigation into fires that have affected several central and eastern provinces. On September 7, the same specialized judicial unit announced the arrest and incarceration of four suspects accused of deliberately starting fires in Tizi-Ouzou and Sétif, indicating that authorities are continuing to pursue suspected cases of arson across the affected regions.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.