Authorities claimed that 2012 saw the lowest number of terrorist attacks in the country since 2002, and attributed the relative quiet to strong pressure by Algerian security forces, including the increased presence of counterterrorism units on the Libyan border, a new focus on intelligence work, the use of advanced monitoring technologies, and a shift toward targeting terrorist ringleaders. Foreign Minister Medelci announced an agreement between Algeria and Tunisia to enhance security cooperation, and called for Libya to be part of the effort. Some 10,000 Algerian soldiers are said to be monitoring Tunisia’s border to ensure that Islamist militants in the Jebel Chaambi area do not escape into Algeria.
