A jihadist, part of the group of 200 prisoners released in October by the Malian authorities, was arrested Monday in southern Algeria. 

The Algerian Ministry of Defense in a statement said the specialized services of the Ministry have apprehended the terrorist El Hocine Ould Amar Ould Maghnia, known as 'Maize'".

The press release specifies that the capture took place in Timiaouine, near Tamanrasset.

 "The 32-year-old criminal was arrested after careful monitoring of his dubious movements, as soon as he entered the country," adds the ministry.

Algiers affirms that the captured jihadist is one of "those who benefited from the agreement which led, after negotiations led by foreign parties, to the release by the Malian authorities of more than 200 terrorists". 

This operation, in October, had allowed the release of several hostages of the jihadists , including the French Sophie Pétronin.

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