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[Ithri]

23 September 1956

Zighoud Youcef was born on February 18th, 1921 in Semndou (northern Constantine). He studied in a quranic school and the French primary school at the same time. He left the latter after he got his CEP (certificate of primary studies).

In 1935, Zighud Youcef joined the PPA (Algerian People's Party) and became the responsible of its branch his his village. In 1948, he became a member of the communal MTLD representatives after he won the elections despite the anti-MTLD fraud. He also joined the OS (Special organization) and helped organize it in the Constantinois.

Unfortunately, he was one of those arrested after the OS's activity was unveiled by the French authorities in 1950, but he escaped from his prison in Annaba.
Once back home, he directed his efforts at the preparation of the armed fight under within the CRUA (Revolutionary Committee for Unity and Action) organization.

He was one of the revolution leaders in zone II (North Constantinois) under the command of Didouche Mourad, and took part in many battles against the French army. During one of these battles, the battle of Oued Boukerker, on January 18th, 1955, Didouche Mourad got killed and Zighoud Youcef replaced him at the head of zone II.

He planned and led the attacks of August 20th, 1955 (yawm elmoudjahid) which had a very positive effect on the other freedom fighters all around the country.

Zighoud Youcef wasn't only a military leader but also a bright politician. He helped organize and participated in the Soummam congress. On his way back to Constantine on September 23rd, 1956, his group encountered some French troops. This was in Sidi Mezghiche, and Zighoud Youcef got killed in the battle.