Spanish intelligence warns of Polisario links to terrorism in the Sahel

A new report from Spain’s National Intelligence Center warns that extremist elements from the Polisario Front have joined terrorist groups operating in the Sahel, including al-Qaeda and ISIS. 

The report, cited by Spanish media, highlights a growing threat to regional stability and European security.

According to the intelligence assessment, several radicalized individuals from the Tindouf camps in Algeria now hold senior positions within jihadist networks, which view the Sahel as a fertile ground for recruitment and expansion. Some of these individuals reportedly participated in Spain’s “Holidays in Peace” program as children, an initiative allowing Sahrawi minors to spend summers with Spanish host families, giving them fluency in Spanish and familiarity with European society. Authorities fear this may facilitate future terror plots in Europe.

The report identifies two main groups gaining ground: Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which seeks to expand into the Maghreb, and ISIS West Africa Province, considered more radical and allegedly including former Polisario members in leadership roles. 

Both groups are exploiting weak governance in the region to launch attacks and consolidate territory.

Intelligence officials warn that the situation in the Sahel is approaching a tipping point, with recent attacks spiking during the Eid al-Adha holiday. 

One key figure, Iyad Ag Ghaly, described as a new “warlord”, is said to command over 6,000 fighters.

Spanish security services are closely monitoring developments amid concerns that the Sahel could become a launchpad for attacks on Europe.

 The report urges increased vigilance, especially given the cultural and linguistic links between some militants and Spain.

The warning comes as Spanish police in the Basque Country arrested two individuals this week with family ties to senior Polisario officials. 

Both face charges of glorifying terrorism and promoting extremist ideology.