Algerian authorities arrest Moroccan nationals

Algerian authorities announced on Sunday that they had arrested 61 Moroccan nationals at the beginning of the month, suspected of planning "acts of sabotage." The arrests were made by the National Security Directorate (DGSN), which described the suspects as part of an "international Moroccan criminal network."

Suspects linked to sabotage planning

According to the DGSN, the 61 individuals, including a former Moroccan army soldier, were preparing to commit acts of sabotage that would harm security and public order. The suspects had entered Algeria through mountain trails from Tunisia, bypassing formal border controls.

Tensions between Algeria and Morocco

Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been tense for years, and their shared land border has been closed since 1994. In 2021, Algiers decided to break diplomatic relations with Morocco, marking a significant escalation in their long-standing disputes.

Dispute over Western Sahara

The two countries have long been in disagreement over the issue of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony rich in mineral resources. Morocco has controlled the territory since 1975, but the United Nations considers it a non-self-governing territory.

Diverging positions on Western Sahara

Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of its territory, while Algiers supports the Polisario Front, an independence movement from the territory, and its claims of self-determination. This conflict has been a major source of regional instability and diplomatic friction.