Units of the Sahrawi People's Liberation Army (SPLA) have reportedly targeted positions and headquarters belonging to Moroccan forces in the Al-Mahbes and Guelta sectors, resulting in casualties among the Moroccan ranks. This information was released in a military statement issued by the Central Directorate of Political Preservation of the Sahrawi Army.The attacks, which took place on Friday, October 17, 2025, are the latest in a series of ongoing clashes between the SPLA and the Moroccan military. The statement, originating from Bir Lehlou in the liberated territories, underscores the continued activity of the Sahrawi forces in their fight for self-determination in Western Sahara.
While the specific details of the خسائر (casualties) inflicted on the Moroccan forces were not disclosed in the initial statement, the announcement serves as a clear indication of the Sahrawi army’s operational capabilities and their commitment to challenging the Moroccan presence in the disputed territory.
The Al-Mahbes and Guelta sectors are strategically important regions within Western Sahara, and the targeting of Moroccan positions in these areas is likely aimed at disrupting Moroccan military operations and asserting Sahrawi control.
The conflict in Western Sahara has been ongoing for decades, with the Polisario Front, representing the Sahrawi people, seeking independence from Morocco. Morocco, however, considers Western Sahara to be an integral part of its territory.
These recent attacks highlight the fragility of the ceasefire agreement that has been in place since 1991 and raise concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict. International efforts to find a lasting political solution to the Western Sahara issue have so far been unsuccessful.
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), proclaimed by the Polisario Front in 1976, claims sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory. The international community remains divided on the issue of Western Sahara’s sovereignty, with some countries recognizing the SADR while others support Morocco’s claim.
The ongoing tensions and intermittent clashes underscore the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict peacefully and ensure the self-determination of the Sahrawi people. The situation remains a significant source of instability in the region, and a lasting solution is crucial for regional peace and security. The Sahrawi Army’s continued operations demonstrate their unwavering determination to achieve their goals in the face of ongoing occupation.
Keywords: Western Sahara, Sahrawi Army, Morocco, Polisario Front, Al-Mahbes, Guelta, Conflict, Military Operation, Bir Lehlou, SADR, Self-determination.
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Source: External reference
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Written by Noor Eleslam
