Belmoktar has long been a target of French anti - terrorist forces . Counter-terrorism analysts tell CNN the language suggests this group was dispatched to carry out an act of jihad rather than abduct foreigners for ransom . Analysts believe the operation is too sophisticated to have been planned in days . Belmoktar earns the nickname ` ` ' '' -- the ` ` one - eyed '' -- after a battlefield injury . He allegedly is involved in smuggling drugs , weapon and ammunition .
Belmoktar has long been a target of French anti - terrorist forces . Analysts believe the operation is too sophisticated to have been planned in days . Belmoktar earns the nickname ` ` ' '' -- the ` ` one - eyed '' -- after a battlefield injury . He allegedly is involved in smuggling drugs , weapon and ammunition .