Algeria's Recent Arrests of Moroccan Nationals
In a significant development reflecting the ongoing tensions between Algeria and Morocco, authorities in Algeria announced on October 11, 2026, that they have arrested 61 Moroccan citizens on suspicions of planning acts of sabotage. According to a statement released by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), these individuals are believed to be part of an international Moroccan criminal network, although specific details regarding the alleged plots have yet to be disclosed.
Among those detained is a former soldier from the Moroccan military, highlighting the serious nature of the accusations. The DGSN reported that these individuals were allegedly preparing operations that could undermine the security and public order within Algeria. The suspects reportedly entered Algeria through mountainous pathways from neighboring Tunisia, suggesting a level of premeditation and coordination in their actions.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Relations
The arrests come against a backdrop of prolonged and escalating tensions between the two North African neighbors. Since 1994, the land border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed, a situation that has only worsened following the severance of diplomatic relations in 2021. Central to these tensions is the contentious issue of Western Sahara, a mineral-rich territory that has been the subject of dispute since the end of Spanish colonial rule in 1975. While Morocco claims the territory as an integral part of its nation, Algeria supports the Polisario Front, a group advocating for the region's independence and self-determination. The ongoing conflict over Western Sahara continues to strain relations between Algeria and Morocco, complicating any potential diplomatic resolutions.
As reported by lemonde.fr.
