"In a blatant and premeditated smear campaign, marking yet another desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the People's National Army (PNA) and Algeria's pristine image on the regional and international stages, certain media outlets and websites, whose affiliations and biases are notorious and undeniable, have resorted to spreading fictional narratives and fabricated scenarios born of their own imagination and that of their sponsors.

These baseless claims allege the creation by Algeria of mercenary units that would operate in the Sahel region to conduct covert operations.

Such assertions are entirely devoid of truth and wholly invented by entities that bear the name of "media" in title only," said the National Ministry of Defence.

In this regard, the Ministry of National Defence "categorically denies these unfounded allegations and accusations disseminated by these mercenary sites, which are executing the insidious agendas of entities hostile to Algeria, driven by a deep-seated hatred toward our country.

They aim to destabilize it, sully the reputation of Algerian state institutions, and manipulate public opinion, which is now fully aware of the duplicity of these sources and can no longer be deceived by such implausible falsehoods," said the source.

Furthermore, the Ministry of National Defence "reaffirms that the People's National Army, as the worthy heir to the National Liberation Army, fulfils its missions in strict adherence to the Constitution and the laws of the Democratic People's Republic of Algeria.

It operates in accordance with its steadfast policies and immutable principles, rooted in good neighbourliness, respect for state sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs, while prioritizing dialogue and negotiation."

"Algeria consistently advocates, through international and regional forums, for peace and security worldwide and particularly in the Sahel region.

It relentlessly calls for the application of international law, spares no effort, and continues its diplomatic endeavours to restore stability in the Sahel, promoting peaceful solutions to crises and conflicts, far removed from the logic of armed force," affirmed the source.

"As an inseparable part of the Sahel, with converging destinies and interests, Algeria cannot conceivably be the source of its instability.

On the contrary, our country tirelessly works to contribute to the economic and social development of local populations, upholding the values of solidarity and honouring the deep-rooted historical and human ties that bind it to the peoples of the Sahel region," according to the Ministry’s communiqué.

"Moreover, Algeria will tolerate no challenge to its resolute fight against terrorism, having been the first to endure its scourges and a pioneer in its eradication.

It waged an unrelenting war against terrorism at a time when doubt, hesitation, and complicity prevailed in political and media circles, as well as in regional and international forums," said the source.

"These contemptible media campaigns, fueled by rumours and fake news, will never achieve their vile objectives nor succeed in undermining our country's pivotal role in the region as an effective promoter of peace and stability," concluded the Ministry of National Defence.

National Defence Ministry denies false media reports of Algeria establishing mercenary units in Sahel