Three Algerians killed in attack near Western Sahara region, Presidency blames on Morocco

Nádya Silveira

African and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defense.

Three Algerians were killed in an attack on the border between Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara, sources add that they were traveling from the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott to the Algerian city of Ouargla. 

Soon after the incident the Algerian government expressed in a statement the terrorist nature of the attack and the Moroccan responsibility for it. Recalling that relations between Algeria and Morocco have been deteriorating for some time, leading to the Algerian announcement of breaking diplomatic ties with its Moroccan neighbor, alleging hostile actions. 

The fear is that this will escalate tensions between the countries, especially since the Algerian government has written to the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League to inform them of the terrorist elements in the incident, whose action cannot be justified. Adding that the "assassination" will not go unpunished and their goal is to protect their nationals at all costs. 

While the threats continue, so far Morocco has not admitted or denied its involvement and full responsibility in the case. Similarly, after images of a destroyed vehicle circulated on the internet, a spokesman for the Mauritanian government stated that the incident wasn't on its territory.

It is important to note that the Western Sahara territory is largely controlled by Morocco, which sees it as an integral part of its own territory. On the other hand, Algeria has a history of supporting the Polisario Front, a movement that seeks complete independence of the region by demanding an independence referendum as provided for in a ceasefire agreement signed back in 1991.

Sources and further reading:

Africa News; AFP. (November 4, 2021). Algeria blames Morocco for bombing of three truck drivers. Africa News with AFP.  https://www.africanews.com/2021/11/04/algeria-blames-morocco-for-bombing-of-three-truck-drivers/

Al Jazeera. (November 3, 2021). Three Algerians killed in attack presidency blames on Morocco. Al Jazeera News Agency. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/3/three-algerians-killed-in-attack-presidency-blames-on-morocco

Rouaba, Ahmed. (November 5, 2021). Algeria accuses Morocco of deadly drone attack. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cp7r8vglgyet/algeria