Al Qaeda 'shopping for arms' in Africa

Al Qaeda militants are now shopping for arms in Chad in Africa, Algerian intelligence agents have said.

Al Qaeda militants are now shopping for arms in Chad in Africa, Algerian intelligence agents have said.

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Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) is using an estimated $100 million earned between 2003 and 2010 from ransom and drug trafficking to purchase weapons for use in terror operations in Algeria and Mali, Algiers-based newspaper Ennahar reported.

The outfit is also investing in real estate, the report said. They have bought large tracts of land and villas in Niger, Mali and Mauritania, the report said.

AQIM in September claimed responsibility for the abduction of seven foreigners, including five French citizens in Niger.