I think Richard is right, 14 men in two Toyotas is not smugglers, it is Aqim. Further reports from the incident says they spoke Mauritanian (hassani) and they even claimed to be Aqim.
«Les assaillants seraient d’Al Qaîda» - Actualité - El Watan
” One of them had their faces uncovered. He spoke Arabic Mauritania. ” They ask “where is the group of tourists” and he replies: “There are no tourists here.” The attackers searched the premises and discovered the Italian. They demand the identity papers of three Algerians (the guardian of the site, the guide and a shepherd).
“They took away the papers and phones before asking me what agency I worked for. When I told him I was Ténéré of Kherrani, they said: ‘Tell him he must stop this activity. It is contrary to the principles of Islam. ” I wanted to know who he was and his reply was, ‘We Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’. ”

What it means? I hope it leads to greater cooperation in the region. Alg can have all the army they like, there's still no safety if there are bands of terrorists just across the border waiting to strike. Like when a number of Alg military were butchered north of Tin Zahouatine last year. This caused great resentment in Tam, but hasn't lead to any changes. Meanwhile, both Niger and Mauri troops have worked out the right of pursuit across the borders with Mali. As for Morocco, it could happen there too. Libya - - the leaders in the region are loosing strength and many things can change in the near future. But I think Algeria's attitude is the greater problem.
Now they have announced that the nine-teen year old state of emergency will be lifted - will this have any immediate impact on the situation in the south?