Algerian soldiers cross into Mauritania while chasing fuel smugglers from Tindouf camps

Algerian border guards reportedly crossed into Mauritanian territory on Tuesday evening during a pursuit of fuel smugglers believed to be Sahrawis from the Tindouf refugee camps, according to a Hespress AR source familiar with the situation in Mauritania.

The incursion occurred near the region of Lebreikha, a well-known smuggling hub along the border. The source emphasized that such incidents are not isolated, noting that Algerian forces have repeatedly entered Mauritanian territory while attempting to intercept smugglers trafficking fuel and food from Algeria into Mauritania.

The border area west of Algeria, particularly near Tindouf and Rabouni, is home to an official border crossing and several Algerian military outposts. However, it also includes unmonitored routes frequently used by Polisario elements to cross into Mauritania.

Due to higher fuel and food prices in Mauritania compared to Algeria, the illegal trade has become lucrative for smugglers, especially residents of the Tindouf camps. These individuals often transport small quantities of fuel using vehicle tanks, gather it in Lebreikha, and sell it to local intermediaries who later consolidate and distribute the fuel across Mauritania.

The source added that some traffickers seeking greater profits attempt to smuggle larger quantities of Algerian fuel through unguarded paths, leading to frequent chases by Algerian forces. The westernmost stretch of the Algeria-Mauritania border is heavily patrolled on the Algerian side but remains largely unguarded on the Mauritanian side, facilitating incursions by both smugglers and security forces.

“These pursuits sometimes involve the use of firearms and extend a kilometer or two into Mauritanian territory,” the source said. “The area lacks checkpoints or any formal military presence on the Mauritanian side, making it an open corridor not just for smugglers, but also for Polisario fighters who move in and out freely.”

This latest incident follows a similar case last December, when an Algerian border patrol entered Mauritania’s Chegattarea while chasing illegal gold miners. That breach occurred without prior notification to Mauritanian authorities, sparking outrage among local miners and calls for enhanced border security to protect civilians, particularly as Algerian troops are known to use live ammunition during such operations.

Repeated border violations by Algerian forces have raised concerns in Nouakchott, with analysts urging a bilateral security framework to avoid future confrontations and unintended escalations.