DGSPP and SPS - ALGERIAN GOV CP UNITS

Sixty SPS elements mobilized for the close protection duties:

More than 900 foreign dignitaries, including heads of state have been protected by the SPS in the past 5 months.

Many CP Operations in the capital have taken place during the past five months and have been conducted and lead by elements of the SPS, belonging to the Algiers Police, according to a source close to the DGSN.

Among these personalities, heads of state, ministers of various countries, foreign businessmen, but also famous personalities from neighboring countries. Among the foreign dignitaries escorted and protected during their stay in Algiers, we note that the former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, accompanied by the Minister of Commerce of the Hexagon, Pierre Lelouch.

These two French ministers have stayed for three days in Algiers including inside the country, and in the month of June. They were secured by the SPS. Terrorists can target these foreign dignitaries, including criminals of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI), the SPS are very vigilant during their missions, as they are the primary target in the event of an armed attack against the convoy. We also note the call made ​​by the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was protected during his travels in Algiers by these experienced officers.

The SPS, which was created in 1992, consists of 60 members, including highly trained officers for the protection of Algerian and foreign political figures. They have benefited from several training courses abroad as well as in Algeria. They also benefited from the latest techniques in the field of security and protection of persons, including training from the United States, Spain and other countries, of course.

According to the DGSN these elements of SPS are among the best CPO's in the world. Moreover, the international police Interpol confirmed this during visits to several leaders in algeria.

The SPS also provides protection for various international meetings, among others, the Summits of Heads of State often organized in Algiers, but also seminars where large foreign dignitaries attend these meetings, or seminars and conferences.

In 1993, an element of the SPS fell in battle when he tried to save the life of the former Minister of Commerce who was ambushed by a terrorist cell belonging to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) was . This is the only element assassinated in the ranks of the SPS who has not recorded any other victims.