Ali Balarousi was Algeria's charge d'affaires in Baghdad, a position he held for almost 2 years. He was seized from front of a restaurant in the Mansour district along with his colleague, Azzedin Belkadi. An unauthenticated online statement dated July 23 claimed the abductions on behalf of Al Qaeda. Two days later, photos of the Mr. Belarousi's ID were posted.

A video featuring the blindfolded diplomats was released online on July 26. The following day, another post stated that the two men would be killed following trial in an Al Qaeda court, a proceeding without any judicial merit but no doubt exemplary as a form of torture. Later that day, a final online stated that the diplomats had been killed. The deaths were subsequently confirmed by the Algerian government. There was no explanation given as to what proof was provided for the diplomat's killing.

Ali Balarousi was 62 years old.