In Ecker
French nuclear tests in the Sahara were held in two different sites named Reganne and In Ecker. France took the decision to conduct tests underground towards the end of 1961. To that end, it was decided to change site. The place chosen for these underground tests was In Ecker in the Hoggar, some 150 km north of Tamanrasset and 2 000 km south of Algiers. In Ecker is in the mountainous area of Tan Afela which was chosen for the special density of its rocky substructure. It was then called the Oasis Military Test Centre. Thirteen tests were held there up to 16th February 1966, but the 1962 Evian Agreements and the independence of Algeria called in question the prolongation of tests in this area; France had to leave the Sahara before 1967. Thus, after decontamination and cleaning the sites, they were returned to the Algerian state on 1st and 15th January 1967. France then had to find other sites suitable for such tests.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
