فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The border between Algeria and Mauritania witnessed serious military tensions in recent hours after elements of the Algerian army crossed into the “Al-Burayka” border area, which Mauritania had previously declared a closed military zone. According to consistent sources, the Algerian incursion occurred during a pursuit of individuals fleeing from the Tindouf camps toward Mauritanian territory, with live ammunition reportedly used against them and their belongings confiscated.
Some reports indicate that some of the fleeing individuals were subjected to mistreatment, while others managed to escape deeper into Mauritanian territory. The Mauritanian army responded promptly by firing warning shots, which forced the Algerian forces to withdraw to their original positions following swift communication between the military commands of both countries.
This incident comes amid rising regional tensions, following Mauritania’s recent expulsion of Polisario Front members from the same area—a move observers interpreted as a reaffirmation of Mauritania’s sovereignty and rejection of any unauthorized presence on its soil.
Analysts suggest that the Algerian action may have been an attempt to test Mauritania’s stance on Algerian military activity in the region, or possibly an extension of routine pursuits of refugees from Tindouf that resulted in an unintended border crossing.
With no official statements released by either side so far, the incident risks escalating tensions in a region already highly sensitive due to the complex military and political balances among the conflicting parties in the Sahara and Sahel.
It is noteworthy that Mauritania had declared the “Al-Burayka” border area a closed military zone as part of its efforts to enhance security and combat smuggling. The area serves as a strategic crossing point between Algeria and Mauritania, often used by smuggling networks and occasionally armed groups, making it a persistent hotspot for regional tensions.
These developments reflect increasing security strains between the two countries, amid calls from various parties for restraint and dialogue to prevent any escalation that could threaten stability in the Sahel and Sahara regions.
