Algerian president replaces intelligence chief

Algiers: Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday replaced the head of the Intelligence and Security Department (DRS), media reported.

President Bouteflika, who is the supreme leader of the armed forces, sacked Major General Mohamed Mediene, also known as Toufik, Enahar TV channel quoted security sources as saying.

Toufik had been DRS chief since 1993.

The sources added that Bouteflika appointed Othmane Tatag, known as Bachir, as new DRS chief.

Tartag used to be chief of Internal Security Section within DRS. Bouteflika dismissed Tartag earlier this year, and appointed him among his advisors staff, Xinhua news agency reported.

Such changes are part of the president's reform process that targets the military and security institutions of the North African country, according to Secretary General of the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) Party Amar Saadani.