In Tindouf camps, "Young people aged 16-25 are deprived of their rights and live in despicable conditions with no hope for a better tomorrow," said Michael Braun, currently an associate member of the Spectre Group International, a company specialized in security.

    Powerful terrorist organizations such as AQIM are expert at finding vulnerable people, he said, noting that Tindouf camps are a potential gold mine for the AQIM recruiters.

    Braun said that the AQIM, which is in fact the name of the Algerian Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat since it pledged allegiance to Oussama Bin Laden, is not only a terrorist organization, but also a powerful criminal organization. "This group is money-driven."

    There is no doubt over the bonds and shared interests between the AQIM, the revolutionary armed forces of Colombia and the Mexican and Colombian coalitions, he added.