Algeria Says It Foiled Sabotage Plot, Arrested 61 Moroccans
Algerian authorities have announced the arrest of 61 Moroccans in Oran, accused of preparing acts of sabotage. Among those detained is a former Moroccan serviceman. They are said to have entered Algeria via Tunisia.
A major sweep targeting Moroccan nationals. On Sunday, October 11, Algeria’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) announced the arrest of 61 Moroccans in Oran, suspected of belonging to a network preparing acts of sabotage. The operation, carried out in early October, was disclosed in a statement published by the official APS news agency.
According to the Algerian investigation, the suspects first traveled by plane to Tunisia before secretly crossing the Algerian border. They are said to have passed through the mountainous and forested areas of El Kala, in the wilaya of El Tarf, before continuing on to Oran.
Among those arrested is a former member of the Moroccan military. Police also announced the seizure of Moroccan passports and sums of money in dirhams and euros.
Sabotage accusations without identified targets
The DGSN describes the group as an international criminal organization that was preparing operations against public security and order. Its statement does not, however, specify any targets. Nor does it report the seizure of weapons or explosives.
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The 61 Moroccan nationals were brought before the prosecutor of the Republic at Oran’s specialized criminal court. The police operation took place under the supervision of the Algerian judicial authorities.
The announcement comes amid diplomatic relations severed between Rabat and Algiers since August 2021. The two countries have kept their land borders closed since 1994.