The administration says that he has the power as Commander in Chief to set the rules for these military tribunals and that the Supreme Court doesn't have jurisdiction to intervene.
Droukdel saw him as a loyal counter to the growing power of a rival jihadist commander, Moktar Belmoktar, the man who ordered the hostage attack on the Algerian gas plant in January.
"This mission represents the power of teamwork, commitment and exploration, " the commander said in a radio call to launch controllers moments before lift-off.