Algerian border guards crossed into Mauritanian territory on Friday, advancing two kilometers into the “Chaket” region, where they allegedly confiscated a vehicle belonging to a licensed Mauritanian prospector, according to sources within Mauritania’s artisanal mining unions.
The incident occurred in an area monitored by the Mauritanian Army, National Gendarmerie, and Mauritania Mining authorities. The region also hosts hundreds of vehicles and thousands of Mauritanians engaged in government-sanctioned mining activities.
“The prospectors informed the Mauritanian Army of the incident, which strongly condemned the Algerian action as a blatant violation of Mauritanian sovereignty,” a source told Hespress. The Mauritanian Army has reportedly vowed to recover the seized vehicle, regardless of the cost.
Recent months have seen a series of similar incidents. In December, an Algerian Army patrol allegedly entered the “Chaket” region, penetrating eight kilometers into Mauritania. The patrol reportedly accused local miners of being terrorists, prompting the Mauritanian Army and Gendarmerie to intervene and expel the Algerian forces.
The repeated incursions have sparked fear among Mauritanian miners, who have called on authorities in Nouakchott to tighten border security, install barriers, and take decisive action to prevent further Algerian military advances.
These incidents have raised concerns about Algeria’s commitment to principles of good neighborliness and its respect for Mauritania’s territorial sovereignty.
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