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Algerian Prison Break
On March 10, 1994, guerrilla fighters of the Islamic front attacked the Tazult prison in the rugged Aures mountains of Algeria. Four guards were wounded and seven kidnapped during the attack which lead to at least 400 prisoners escaping. During the attack one guard and five guerrillas were killed.
Government forces using troops and helicopters recaptured 39 of the escapees in the days after the escape. Prison officials stated that about 280 of the escapees were members of the Islamic Front, many of whom were under sentence of death for terrorism.
The attack occurred in the early evening as prisoners broke the daily fast that marks the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The prisoners had help from at least two guards according to the government.
Since 1992 the Islamic Front has waged a rebellion against the military government of Algeria after they were prevented from taking office when they won elections. Aside from several thousand dead, this has resulted in thousands of real or suspected Islamic Front supporters being imprisoned.
Government forces using troops and helicopters recaptured 39 of the escapees in the days after the escape. Prison officials stated that about 280 of the escapees were members of the Islamic Front, many of whom were under sentence of death for terrorism.
The attack occurred in the early evening as prisoners broke the daily fast that marks the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The prisoners had help from at least two guards according to the government.
Since 1992 the Islamic Front has waged a rebellion against the military government of Algeria after they were prevented from taking office when they won elections. Aside from several thousand dead, this has resulted in thousands of real or suspected Islamic Front supporters being imprisoned.
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