On Wednesday, February 5, the Algerian army made a significant move by withdrawing its tanks from the Tindouf camps. This action has sparked widespread speculation regarding its underlying motives, particularly as it follows closely after armed clashes erupted between Polisario elements and Algerian gendarmes. The conflict reportedly stemmed from a dispute over control of drug trafficking in the region. «This is a tactical withdrawal ordered by the Algerian army, but it has no connection with the incident at the Boujdour camp», a Moroccan security source informed Yabiladi. «This kind of movement usually heralds the organization of a possible exercise to be hosted by the 3rd military region», the source added. In alignment with this explanation, General Said Chengriha, the head of the Algerian army, oversaw a tactical exercise with live ammunition in Bechar on April 23 and 24, 2024. The Algerian army maintains strict control over the Tindouf camps, which are under the direct supervision of the 3rd military region. The army holds the authority to issue exit and entry permits to the Saharawi population residing in these camps.
