The army said there are only about 700 armed rebels still operating in the country. At their peak, in the mid-1990s, there were some 27,000 rebels active. Over 100,000 have died since the rebellion of Islamic radicals began in 1992. Most of the dead have been civilians (often killed by rebels to insure support) and rebels. The GSPC is the largest remaining rebel group, with about 400 members. This group has links to al Qaeda. 

So far this month, rebel activity has left 42 civilians and rebels dead, as well as 20 soldiers and policemen.