فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
April 24, 2026 – International News
Washington – Fes News
Debate over the possible designation of the Polisario Front as a “terrorist organization” has resurfaced within U.S. institutions, after officials from the U.S. Department of State confirmed they are monitoring information بشأن potential links between the group and networks allegedly connected to Iran. The issue was raised during a hearing on counterterrorism in Africa.
At a session held by the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Senator Ted Cruz brought up the matter, stating that Iran is “working to turn the Polisario Front into a model similar to the Houthis in West Africa,” according to his remarks.
Cruz added that there are allegations of potential cooperation between the group and entities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including, as he described, the transfer of weapons, resources, and intelligence. He argued that such information—if confirmed—could justify classifying the group as a terrorist organization.
The U.S. senator also referred to a bill he previously introduced that would designate the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization if cooperation with entities already listed as terrorist groups is established, noting that the matter remains under review by relevant institutions.
For her part, Monica Jacobson, an official at the State Department’s counterterrorism bureau, stated that the department “shares these concerns” and is closely monitoring the situation. She noted that the area where the group operates is close to zones characterized by smuggling activities and armed movements across the Sahel region.
She added that this creates a “vulnerability that could be exploited by external actors, including Iran,” emphasizing that the State Department, in coordination with intelligence agencies, is examining these allegations and preparing a closed briefing session to discuss the matter in greater detail.
The official further indicated that specialized teams continue to assess claims of possible cooperation between the Polisario Front and groups such as Hezbollah, as well as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, without announcing any final conclusions so far.
This development comes amid growing international attention to the security situation in the Sahel and Sahara regions, given ongoing challenges related to terrorism and trafficking networks, making any information concerning regional actors subject to close scrutiny by international authorities.
Source: Fes News Media
