Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is one of the region 's wealthiest , best-armed militant groups due to the payment of ransom demands by humanitarian organizations and Western governments . It is reported that 90 per cent of AQIM resources come from ransoms paid in return for the release of hostages . Oumar Ould Hamaha said : In December 2012 , one of AQIM 's top commanders , Mokhtar Belmokhtar , split off from AQIM and took his fighters with him , executing the In Amenas hostage crisis in Algeria weeks later , just after France launched Operation Serval in Mali . Belmokhtar later claimed he acted on behalf of Al Qaeda . In December 2015 , Belmokhtar 's splinter group , Al-Mourabitoun rejoined AQIM , according to audio statements released by both groups
In Amenas hostage crisis
In Amenas hostage crisis
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb