Four Projectiles Land Near Es-Smara, No Casualties Reported
Rabat – Four projectiles reportedly landed today near the city of Es-Smara in southern Morocco. According to local media and eyewitnesses, the ordnance fell in an uninhabited area close to a military camp used by the UN MINURSO mission.
No injuries or damages have been reported. The loud explosions frightened nearby residents, who rushed to the scene after hearing the blasts. Videos and photos shared on social media show what appeared to be the remains of the projectiles scattered in the area. photos shared on social media show what appeared to be the remains of the projectiles scattered in the area.
The Polisario Front is believed to be behind the attack, especially with the separatist group's suspected involvement in similar incidents in the past.
In 2023, four explosions killed one person and injured three others in the southern Moroccan city. The explosions occurred in two residential neighborhoods and an industrial area in the city.
Soon after, Morocco launched an official investigation into the incident. The General Prosecutor at the Laayoune Court of Appeals ordered technical and ballistic analysis to determine the origin and nature of the explosive projectiles.
Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, said that MINURSO had confirmed the explosions hit civilian neighborhoods, and that the Polisario had issued a statement indirectly taking responsibility.
'There were no military installations at any of the sites,' Hilale said in a press conference after the incident, adding that 'targeting civilians is a terrorist act under international law, and those responsible will not go unpunished.'
Hilale also emphasized that those behind the attacks, as well as those who arm and support them, must be held accountable. He specifically referred to Algeria, which has hosted and financed the Polisario for decades.
This new incident comes amid growing international scrutiny of the Polisario. US Republican Senator Joe Wilson and Democratic Representative Jimmy Panetta recently introduced a bipartisan bill that calls for the group to be designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
The bill references the group's targeting of civilians and its return to violence following the collapse of the ceasefire in 2020. If passed, the bill could reshape how the US and other allies deal with Polisario and its supporters. Tags: Es SmaraexplosionPolisario
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
2 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan FAR drone neutralizes Polisario attackers after Es-Semara assault
A new chapter has emerged in the attack carried out by Polisario armed elements on Friday, June 27, targeting civilian areas in Es-Semara. The perpetrators behind the launch of five projectiles did not make it back to the Tindouf camps unscathed. «A Royal Armed Forces (FAR) drone, conducting a routine surveillance mission in the region, immediately tracked the vehicle carrying the Polisario attackers responsible for Friday's strike», a Moroccan security source told Yabiladi. «A missile fired by the unmanned aircraft completely destroyed the vehicle and its occupants. The exact toll of the airstrike, which occurred east of the Sand Wall, has yet to be confirmed». Shortly before the strike, the assailants, traveling in a vehicle, fired five rockets—believed to be of Iranian origin—on the city of Es-Semara. One projectile landed near a MINURSO barracks, but no casualties or material damage were reported.
Ya Biladi
2 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Six Moroccans acquitted of terrorism but still detained in Somalia plead to return home
Six Moroccan nationals, currently held in Garowe Prison in Somalia's Puntland region, have issued a desperate appeal to the Moroccan authorities, urging immediate intervention to end their prolonged detention, despite a final court ruling declaring them innocent of terrorism-related charges. The six young men had traveled to Somalia in hopes of building a better professional future, but instead found themselves caught up in a serious case that led to military court proceedings and initial death sentences. However, the charges were later dropped after it was proven they had been misled by individuals suspected of ties to extremist groups. In a voice message shared by Moroccan newspaper al3omk, one of the detainees described a humanitarian ordeal that extends far beyond their legal nightmare. «We survive on one meal a day, barely edible… we have to wash it with water just to be able to eat it», he said, adding that detention conditions are «catastrophic», with no access to clean drinking water and constant psychological pressure. The detainees stressed that they never entered Somalia with the intent to join any organization. Rather, they were lured by fellow Moroccans with promises of legitimate economic opportunities in a developing region. Upon realizing the deception, and finding themselves in an area known for ISIS activity, they attempted to flee and voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, only to face imprisonment instead of protection. Although their innocence was confirmed by a final court ruling over 18 months ago and a deportation order was issued, they remain behind bars. Puntland authorities attribute the delay in their release to a lack of coordination with the Moroccan government, insisting that their freedom hinges on Morocco's willingness to receive its citizens. The detainees' families had previously submitted a formal complaint to Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 19, expressing deep frustration over their sons' continued imprisonment and calling for urgent diplomatic action to end their ordeal.
Ya Biladi
2 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
What a U.S. terrorist designation could mean for the Polisario Front
The bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Joe Wilson (Republican) and Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) seeks to designate the Polisario Front as a « foreign terrorist organization » (FTO). However, even if the bill passes, the designation would not be automatic: under U.S. law, the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, who acts on advice from the Treasury Department and the Department of Justice (8 U.S.C. § 1189). To persuade Congress—and ultimately Secretary of State Marco Rubio—Joe Wilson emphasizes the Polisario's ties to Hezbollah and Iran. He could also highlight threats of terrorist attacks against foreign interests in Western Sahara by leaders of the separatist movement. If the «Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act» succeeds and the State Department officially labels the Polisario as an FTO, here are four key consequences to expect: Implications of the FTO designation in the United States Asset freeze: The Treasury could block any funds controlled by the Polisario within U.S. jurisdiction. This freeze would be targeted; a global blockade would require an additional designation as a «Specially Designated Global Terrorist» (SDGT) by OFAC. In practice, many non-U.S. banks would likely halt processing dollar payments to avoid risks. Prosecution for «material support»: Anyone in the U.S. providing material assistance could face up to 20 years in prison (18 U.S.C. § 2339B). However, humanitarian licenses could still be granted, as has been done for groups like the Houthis, ensuring vital aid reaches civilians. Visas and border controls: Members and supporters would be legally inadmissible under INA § 212. Diplomatic exemptions might apply for UN personnel, but access to the U.S. would become the exception rather than the rule. Polisario's credibility and finances under pressure Loss of «liberation movement» aura: The FTO label would legally equate the Polisario with groups like Hezbollah or the PKK, seriously undermining its third-worldist narrative. Fundraising challenges: American payment platforms would sever ties, and European banks would adopt a strict cautionary stance. Non-dollar channels such as cryptocurrencies or Asian banks might persist unless secondary sanctions are imposed. NGOs under scrutiny: Humanitarian organizations would need OFAC licenses to operate in the Tindouf camps. Any advocacy or training involving the Polisario would become legally risky. Algeria in a delicate spot No automatic «State Sponsor of Terrorism» label: That designation requires clear, repeated support for attacks targeting U.S. interests. «Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act» law leverage: If Algeria pursues significant new Russian arms deals, CAATSA sanctions could be triggered, but this would be a highly political and conditional decision. Narrative costs: Supporting a group officially labeled as terrorist would damage Algeria's position, especially since some Sahel countries accuse it of backing terrorist groups in the region. Possible mitigation: Algeria might push for the disarmament of Polisario militias to ease international pressure. Multilateral repercussions: shifting from «decolonization» to «security» At the UN Security Council: The U.S. could push to add counter-terrorism to MINURSO's mandate during its next renewal. This would require a new resolution and must avoid a Russian or Chinese veto. Within the African Union: Some member states concerned about their image might distance themselves from the SADR, potentially leading to a formal suspension if 36 countries support amending the AU's founding charter. Bilateral relations: Hesitant countries would have a stronger rationale to openly back Morocco's autonomy plan. In short, if Washington finally brands the Polisario Front as an FTO, it would shine a spotlight on the alliances behind the Polisario—making them more visible, and more politically costly for countries like Algeria and South Africa to support.
