PresidentAlgerian Abdelaziz Bouteflika. (Source: AP)

Some security sources in Algeria said on September 13 that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has replaced Director of the Military Intelligence Service (DRS) Mohamed Mediene.

This is considered the latest move to limit the influence of General Mediene - one of the most mysterious and powerful figures in Algeria, on the country's politics.

General Mohamed Mediene - also known as Toufik - has led the DRS for the past 25 years, a record-breaking tenure for any intelligence chief in history. He is also believed to have played a major role in appointing key positions in Algeria.

President Bouteflika began to seek to reduce the influence of the military and the DRS intelligence agency in politics before his re-election in April 2014. President Bouteflika has led Algeria for three terms.

According to VN+