Tensions Rise as Algeria and Polisario Simulate Moroccan Defense Wall in Military Exercises

A replica of the Moroccan defense wall has recently been detected in a training field near Tindouf, reports the monitoring cell of the Forum Military Moroccan Forum (ex-Forum FAR-Maroc), specifying that it is used by the Popular National Army (ANP) and the Polisario. "This replica includes characteristic elements such as a form of a bell and a support project," explains Abdelhamid Harifi, a military expert and administrator within the forum, to Médias24. According to his explanations, the Algerian and separatist units are using this replica "to train for attack maneuvers and try to cross the wall." "The installation of this replica could be interpreted as a desperate operation, especially after the recent defeat of the separatists," thinks the military expert.

"This imitation does not reflect the complex defensive devices that Morocco has put in place to secure its territory," nuances Harifi. The Moroccan sand wall houses "tens of thousands of soldiers and benefits from one of the most complex and efficient logistics chains in the world," says Abdelhamid Harifi, specifying that it was built in several stages between 1980 and 1987. A sophisticated set of support points and bells responsible for monitoring the borders and alerting in case of detection of threats is set up at the level of this 2,700 km long wall. "Depending on the nature of the threats, support and support units are activated to intervene behind or in front of the wall, with the support of artillery and aviation," he further specifies. Thanks to the intelligence provided by drones and satellites, this system has been strengthened. Enough to significantly limit the risk of seeing a threat approach the wall within a critical range.