Algeria jails 5 major-generals on corruption charges

Three former military region heads, former gendarme head, Defense Ministry's financial services chief faces charges of "illicit enrichment", "use of senior officer's function for personal purposes.

ALGIERS - An Algerian television station close to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's family reports that five senior Algerian army officers have been jailed after appearing before a magistrate on corruption charges.

Ennahar TV says the major-generals - three former military region heads, a former gendarme head and the Defense Ministry's financial services chief - faced charges Sunday of "illicit enrichment" and "use of a senior officer's function for personal purposes."

The officers are part of a wave of military officials who have been fired by the ailing 81-year-old president without explanation since summer.

Bouteflika is deciding whether to seek a fifth term next year.