SAM has long been a target of Islamic counter-terrorism forces . Analysts believe the attack is too sophisticated to have been planned in the mid 1990s . Belmoktar earns the nickname Emir of the Sahel -- the `` two -eyed '' -- after a battlefield injury . He allegedly is involved in smuggling drugs , weapon and people .
Belmoktar has long been a target of French counter-terrorism forces . Analysts believe the attack is too sophisticated to have been planned in days . Belmoktar earns the nickname `` Belaouar '' -- the `` one-eyed '' -- after a battlefield injury . He allegedly is involved in smuggling drugs , weapon and people .