It's an Algerian SOS for protecting its energy-rich desert areas from Muslim militant attacks. It has already imposed strict controls on movements within its energy production zones. In a radio message transmit- ted across the nation, the interior ministry announced that oil and gas production areas would henceforth be declared "restr 'icted zones". -Movements of people and vehicles on roads passing through energy zones is lim4ed to only national and foreign company staff whose activities are related to hydrocarbons (oil and gas), and to local inhabitants," stated the order. This is an attempt to prevent the ultras .rom damaging the energy ,producing centres, crucial in teeping the present regime afloat.

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