Tahar Zbiri

Tahar Zbiri (; 4 April 1929 – 30 October 2024) was an Algerian military officer, best known for his role in the country's post-independence military and political developments, particularly his involvement in an attempted coup against the government of president Houari Boumédiène in 1967.

Zbiri served in the Algerian People's National Army as a colonel, the highest rank that existed during the regime of Houari Boumédiène, the second head of the state. Zbiri led an unsuccessful coup attempt against president Houari Boumédiène in 1967 after participating in the 1965 Algerian coup d'état.

Early life Zbiri was born on 4 April 1929, in Sedrata, Algeria. Following his escape, Zbiri joined the Armée de Libération Nationale (ALN), the military branch of the National Liberation Front (FLN), and became an officer in the Aurès maquis. By 1959, Zbiri had risen through the ranks and was appointed a member of the National Council of the Algerian Revolution (CNRA), achieving the rank of colonel. From 1960 to 1962, he served as the commander of Wilaya I (Aurès region), one of the key military zones in the Algerian liberation struggle. The coup attempt was short-lived and ultimately failed. Boumédiène's forces suppressed the revolt, and Zbiri was forced to flee into exile.

Later life and death Following the failed coup, Zbiri spent several years in hiding and exile.

Legacy Zbiri was regarded as one of the notable figures in Algerian history due to his attempt to challenge the political establishment and military during a period of consolidation for the newly independent state. His role was often viewed in the broader context of the power struggles and factionalism that characterized Algeria's early post-independence years.