Assassination of General Amar, the right-hand man of Chengriha, ignites factional conflict within the Algerian army
A state of ambiguity prevails in Algeria following the announcement of the death of General Hassan Ben Amar, Inspector of Special Forces in the army, amid rising suspicions that he was the target of an assassination linked to factional strife within the military institution.
The official statement merely noted his death without clarifying the reasons or circumstances, paving the way for a wave of speculation, particularly regarding sharp disagreements between the camp of Chief of Staff Said Chengriha and the Commander of Ground Forces Mustafa Smaali, who enjoys growing support within the institution.
The timing of the incident added to the mystery, coinciding with the visit of the Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, Claude Theodore, to Algeria, and his meeting with Smaali in the absence of Chengriha—a step interpreted as an implicit sign of support for one faction over another.
Observers believe that the death of Ben Amar, who held extensive influence within the special forces, may herald anticipated changes in high-ranking positions and could rearrange the balance of power within the army at a time when the hidden conflict among military leaders intensifies.
So far, no official clarification has been issued regarding the circumstances surrounding his death, while local media remain silent, increasing the doubts about the nature of what transpired and signaling a new phase of tension within the upper echelons of the Algerian military institution.
