In a significant development, the Polisario Front has released a video showing, for the first time, one of its observation drones. This development comes after United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned in his annual report about drones from Algeria crossing the sand wall in Western Sahara.
https://twitter.com/larevueafrique/status/1867266919495348559
This move indicates a potential escalation in the conflict, as the Polisario seeks to enhance its military capabilities. The use of drones in the region has raised concerns about increasing tensions between the conflicting parties.
It’s worth noting that Morocco has strengthened its drone capabilities in recent years, prompting the Polisario and Algeria to seek similar technology. Algeria has previously accused Morocco of using drones in attacks within Western Sahara.
The emergence of Polisario-operated drones represents a shift in conflict dynamics and raises questions about the source of this technology and its impact on the situation on the ground. It also highlights the urgent need to renew diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.