What is known today as Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) emerged between the end of 2006 and the early 2007, when the group re-branded itself from the Groupe Salafiste pour la Prédication et le Combat (GSPC).
AQIM is the latest incarnation of Algerian radical Islamism.
Initially focused on attacks with great political resonance, the group has progressively changed its priorities, alongside its geographical and operational features. AQIM has always privileged its ‘ground dimension’, focusing much more on classic attacks against military barracks and governmental buildings.
However, some members of AQIM were recently accused of preparing a naval plot against Western vessels but Algerian authorities were able to successfully prevent this attack occurring.
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