Algerian army removes Moroccan citizens from area close to borders

A Moroccan daily reported today that Algerian soldiers have forcefully removed a Moroccan tribe living in the Moroccan province of Jerada, near the Moroccan-Algerian borders.

According to Al Alam daily, ten Algerian soldiers infiltrated this September 6 inside the Moroccan territory and forced inhabitants of the area to remove their tents and settle 3.5 km away from the borders. They claimed that the land is Algerian territory.

The daily also recalls that since the 70's, several Moroccan citizens were forced to leave their land and have asked the Moroccan authorities to guarantee their safety and stability in this region of the Moroccan territory.

Relations between the two neighbor states are strained in view of Algeria's backing of the Polisario movement which is claiming the independence of the Western Sahara. Bilateral relations worsened in 1994 when a group of Algerian-born French nationals were found guilty in a terrorist attack against a luxury hotel in Marrakesh and which cost the life of two Spanish tourists.

There are indications of increased tensions along the border areas as several "incidents" have occured within the last month along the border areas.