Algeria’s defense ministry vowed on Saturday to crack down on promoters of fake news related to the dismissal or arrest of military officials. The announcement was made after opposition Algerian expatriates circulated on social media information and videos about the recent changes introduced in the military intelligence in recent days. The defense ministry said in a statement that some social media platforms had spread false information and rumors about the resignation and arrest of several major military officials. It strongly denied such information, saying they are being promoted by people “who are unhappy with the changes” that have been introduced by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in his capacity as supreme commander of the armed forces and defense minister. The rumors are aimed at undermining the army, “which will always serve as a main pillar in defending our nation against all conspiracies.” It vowed to crack down on the promoters of fake news that are aimed at “inciting and misleading” the public. The defense ministry was prompted to make its statement after various changes in the intelligence agency were made. Earlier this week, Mohamed Bouzit was appointed chief of the external security directorate, succeeding Kamel-Eddine Remili. Remili had stepped down from his post three days after the dismissal and imprisonment of internal security and head of intelligence chief Wasini Bouazza. In wake of the changes, opposition activists in Britain and France posted videos and articles that spoke of a fierce dispute between the army and its intelligence directorate. Observers have said that the changes in the internal and external security forces were linked to ridding Algeria of the legacy of late army chief of staff Lieutenant-General Ahmed Gaid Saleh, who passed away suddenly last year and who was the de facto leader of the country after president Abdelaziz Bouteflikas resignation in April 2019.