The Ain Fouara statue, a renowned artistic and historical monument in Setif, Algeria, has fallen victim to its fifth act of vandalism. This latest incident involved damage to the statue's left arm, perpetuating a disturbing trend of attacks against this symbol of the city. The statue, created in 1898 by Franco-Italian artist Francis de Saint-Vidal, has become emblematic of Setif and is located in Independence Square, the heart of the city.

On the day of the incident, local reports indicate that the perpetrator took advantage of the relative quiet of a Ramadan day to approach the statue. Armed with a hammer, he was able to climb onto the statue's base and began to strike its facade, inflicting damage in a matter of moments. Witnesses expressed shock at witnessing this act of vandalism, which repeatedly brings to light the ongoing threat to the preservation of cultural heritage in the area.

This incident not only highlights the vulnerability of Algeria's cultural symbols but also raises concerns about the broader implications for heritage preservation in the country. The recurring vandalism of the Ain Fouara statue suggests a troubling disregard for cultural artifacts and calls into question the effectiveness of protective measures surrounding such significant monuments. As the community grapples with these acts of defacement, there is an urgent need for enhanced surveillance and public awareness to safeguard Algeria's historical treasures.