Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 23, 2019
From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 23, 2019
Powerful Algerian military chief dies at 79
Algeria’s powerful military chief Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah, who was instrumental in pushing out the gas-rich country’s long-serving president amid pro-democracy protests earlier this year, has died unexpectedly at age 79.
In this file photo taken on December 19, 2019 Lieutenant general Ahmed Gaid Salah, Algerian armed forces chief, attends the formal presidential swearing-in ceremony in the capital Algiers. (RYAD KRAMDI / AFP)
Gaid Salah’s death thrusts Algeria into new political uncertainty as a tumultuous year comes to a close.
Algeria’s military plays a central role in decision-making in the country, a key ally to Western powers in fighting Islamic extremism.
The president declares three days of national mourning, while the army declared a week-long grieving period.
— AP
