ANTI-TERRORIST DRIVE

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27695, 27 June 1955, Page 11

ANTI-TERRORIST DRIVE

French Offensive In Algeria (Rec. 11 p.m.) ALGIERS, June 25. French forces launched the biggest offensive since the outbreak of Algerian terrorism eight months ago in a determined bid to end the guerrilla war raging through the territory. In an operation involving aircraft, the navy, commandos, and paratroops, the French struck along a 100-mile sector from Collo to Bone in a surprise attack. The troops forged their way inland in blistering heat to comb out villages, ravines, hillsides, and caves where rebels are believed to be hiding. First reports of the drive said seven rebels were killed and hundreds of suspects arrested. The French said many mountain folk were surprised by the sudden appearance of the troops and voluntarily handed over their hunting guns and pointed out terrorist hideouts. Officials in Constantine said the offensive would be intensified with the arrival of fresh reinforcements. Simultaneous with the military operation, police have been carrying out intensive screenings in a number of Algerian cities, including Algiers, Constantine, Philippeville, and Bone. Hundreds of Arabs have been arrested and a large quantity of arms, knives, razors, and clubs seized. It was officially announced that among those detained in Constantine was Dr. Lamine Debaghine, a former member of the National Assembly and a well-known Nationalist leader.