General Abdul Qader Haddad Flees Algeria to Spain
Official Spanish sources have confirmed that Algerian General Abdul Qader Haddad, known by the alias “Nasr al-Jin” (the Devil), successfully fled Algeria across the Mediterranean on a speedboat in the early hours between September 18 and 19. A report on Thursday, September 25, quoting the government’s delegation office in Alicante, confirmed Haddad’s arrival on the Spanish Costa Blanca, refuting claims of his arrest.
Haddad, who led the Directorate General for Internal Security (DGSI), one of Algeria’s most powerful intelligence agencies, for a year, was a prominent military figure. However, four months ago, he was dismissed for unclear reasons and transferred to military prisons in Blida and Bechar, before being placed under house arrest in a villa in the upscale Dali Ibrahim neighborhood of Algiers. He was expected to face court soon on undisclosed charges.
Upon arriving in Alicante, Haddad stated that he decided to flee after learning of a plot to assassinate him before his court appearance, suggesting that his death would have been presented as a suicide. It is noteworthy that the general owns properties in Spain, having previously sought refuge in Alicante in the late 2010s to escape purges led by then-army chief of staff General Ahmed Qaid Salah against General Mohamed Mediène and his influential Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DRS).
Reaction from Algerian Authorities
Haddad’s escape has caused turmoil within military and political circles in Algeria, as he is believed to hold sensitive secrets about the country’s ruling elite. In immediate response, the police and national gendarmerie deployed large forces in Algiers, with helicopters patrolling the skies and intensive checks being conducted from Friday to Sunday. Surveillance at the border with Tunisia has also been intensified.
Reports indicated that the atmosphere in the capital resembled the “black decade” of the 1990s, during which the Algerian army engaged in violent confrontations with armed Islamist groups (GIA). Despite massive security efforts described as “Operation Cage,” authorities failed to apprehend the fleeing general. His battlefield experience gained during the civil war against Islamist groups is believed to have aided him in evading capture. Haddad was known for his ability to set traps and infiltrate armed groups, although he was also accused of committing abuses during that period.
Consequences of the Escape
Haddad’s escape has led to immediate consequences, particularly the dismissal of General Mahrez Gribi, head of the Central Directorate of Army Security, who was responsible for monitoring Haddad. This incident highlights ongoing power struggles within Algeria’s military circles that have persisted for nearly a decade, where powerful generals can find themselves imprisoned overnight. According to French newspaper “Le Monde,” there are currently about 200 senior officers, including around 30 generals, in Algerian prisons.
Spain: A Haven for Algerian Elites
Spain has become a favored destination for many Algerian military and political figures seeking refuge and purchasing properties during crises. General Khalid Nazzar, former chief of staff and defense minister, fled to Barcelona in 2019 before being sentenced to 20 years for “conspiring against the state,” later returning to Algeria before his death in December 2023. In another case, Colonel Omar Ben Shaid and his son died in Alicante in 2001 after being struck by a train, a incident that raised questions among Spanish police.
Background of Haddad’s Fall
According to Algerian journalist Fared Alilat, Haddad’s downfall is linked to his investigations into corruption and dubious dealings involving individuals close to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his aides. Alilat questioned in an article for French magazine “Le Point”: “Did these investigations threaten the interests and paths of the country’s elite?” It is noted that Haddad indirectly supported Tebboune’s re-election as president in September 2024 after being appointed head of the DGSI in June of the same year.
Media Silence and Speculation
Algerian media has not published any official information regarding Haddad’s escape, with social media solely disseminating details of the incident. The official news agency (APS) announced the convening of the Supreme Security Council on Thursday, chaired by President Tebboune and attended by army chief General Saïd Chengriha and security heads, without disclosing the meeting’s purpose. Haddad’s escape reveals the fragility of balances within Algeria’s military elite and reinforces Spain’s status as a safe haven for fleeing elites. The pressing question now is: what secrets will Haddad take with him, and how will they impact the political landscape in Algeria?
