Experts say Algeria is using Polisario terror to drag the region into war

Fresh rocket attacks near Smara have sparked strong reactions from Moroccan experts, who accuse Algeria of fueling violence through its support of the Polisario Front. 

According to researchers in political science and international relations, these incidents are part of a clear plan to destabilize the region and push it closer to war.

Mohamed Bentalha Dokkali, a professor at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, told Hespress Ar that these were not random strikes. 

Dokkali explained that the Polisario “is not an independent group capable of making such decisions alone,” describing it as an entity “lacking identity, legitimacy, and real autonomy.” 

According to Dokkali, any major military move like this “must have received the green light from Algeria’s military leadership.”

The timing of the attacks has also raised suspicion. They happened just as two US lawmakers, Republican Senator Joe Wilson and Democrat Jimmy Panetta, submitted a bill in Congress to officially label the Polisario a foreign terrorist organization. 

Dokkali said this bill is more credible than ever, as the attacks perfectly illustrate why such a label is justified.

Despite the provocations, Morocco has maintained restraint and refused to react impulsively. 

Dokkali said, “Rabat does not gamble on knee-jerk responses. That’s exactly the trap Algeria wants us to fall into.” 

He said that while Morocco doesn’t rush into confrontations, the country remains fully prepared and strong.

“These desperate suicide attacks don’t scare Morocco,” he added, underlining that Moroccan diplomacy will not be distracted by what he called “miserable attempts to confuse decision-makers.”

Mohamed Nechtawi, a professor of international relations, said the rocket fire near Smara was intended to remind the world that the Polisario is still around, despite broad international condemnation. 

He pointed out that United Nations observers were present during the strikes and have already filed detailed reports about the violation of the ceasefire.

Nechtawi also noted that these attacks are happening in the context of Morocco’s significant gains in securing recognition for its sovereignty over the southern provinces and its plan for autonomy. 

He described the rockets as “cowardly actions meant to create fear and instability,” adding that “they clearly show the Polisario is working against the principles of the United Nations.”

Experts agree that Algeria is deliberately testing Morocco and the international community. But as Dokkali summed up, Morocco will not be provoked. “We stay committed to international law. And our readiness remains absolute.”