The seaports of Ténès, Chlef, Boumerdès and Tlemcen will be subject to new restrictions, as will the airports in Tamanrasset, Tébessa, Tiaret, Sétif, M'sila, Mascara and Ouargla.

In 1992, an attack on Algiers International Airport left nine people dead and dozens injured. Since then, large-scale security measures have been implemented both on and around the site.

This new project takes the strategy used there to other transport hubs across the country.

Bans will be placed on the installation of telecommunications equipment, billboards and other items that could pose a security threat in "sensitive" areas within a protected zone, the government on Tuesday (March 5th).

The arrangements also bar the sailing and mooring of vessels within maritime security zones.

The measures also allow the government to transfer, relocate, alter or demolish any building within a protected area that could constitute an obstacle or danger to port or airport infrastructure.

Holders of property affected by the new measures will be entitled to compensation.

This is not the first time the government has resorted to such measures to make ports and airports secure. Protected zones were set up in some Algerian cities in 2008.

The security strategy comes in the wake of the deadly terror attack at the In Amenas gas complex and the surge in Mali-based terror activity.

"There is no doubt that the security situation in the Sahel has spurred the Algerian government to adopt these measures to step up security at strategic locations such as ports and airports," security expert Amine Moncef told Magharebia.

"By imposing new security rules at these facilities, which will be run by the wali from now on, the Algerian government is seeking to increase its control over these sites," said.

Ports and airports are "favoured targets for terrorist groups", said journalist Mohamed Selmi.

"Terrorists want to make an impact in the media, and ports and airports give them that opportunity," he said.

Since the 1992 bombing, Algeria has revised its security arrangements at the international airport. Large-scale security measures have been put in place within the protected zone along with a large presence of armed police officers.

"The terrorist threat has shifted towards the south of the country," security expert Samir Oukil said. "As a result, it is entirely logical that the security zones at Tamanrasset and Ouargla airports should be expanded."

"Although the new measures may inconvenience the public, Algerians now know that when you are dealing with terrorists, mistakes are fatal," he added.