Moroccan residents accuse Algerian army of intimidation near border

Residents in eastern Morocco accused the Algerian army of renewed provocations along the border after soldiers allegedly fired shots into the air near local farmers in the Ich area of Figuig province, according to local Hespress AR sources.

The incident occurred Monday near agricultural fields where Moroccan civilians were working, the sources said, describing the gunfire as an attempt to intimidate residents and create a sense of insecurity on Moroccan territory. It follows an earlier incident on Feb. 4 in which Algerian forces reportedly carried out what locals described as a unilateral border re-demarcation.

Local residents, who rely mainly on subsistence farming and livestock herding, said the recent military movements have caused growing concern. According to the same sources, Algerian soldiers had previously aimed their weapons toward farmers in the area.

Community representatives said residents of Ich have long adhered to principles of good neighborliness, noting historical ties between border communities. They added that a local committee has been formed to monitor developments and coordinate responses, while a planned regional solidarity visit was postponed at the request of authorities.

The committee and civil society representatives were scheduled to meet Tuesday with the governor of Figuig province to discuss the situation. Residents voiced support for Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and called for protection of their lives and livelihoods.

Toufik Allal, a member of the monitoring committee, said about 30 Algerian soldiers were involved in what he described as a show of force earlier this month, including altering border markers near Moroccan farmland.

“All this has created panic among residents, who fear these repeated provocations could lead to serious human consequences,” Allal said, adding that locals reject allegations often cited by Algerian authorities related to drug trafficking.