Polisario’s recent targeting of civilians vindicates case for terrorism designation

The Polisario has added to its long record of terrorist acts a new attack near Smara. The separatist group claimed responsibility for firing projectiles aimed at civilians and landed near a UN peacekeeping mission team’s site. While the projectiles attack left no casualties or injuries,it highlights the terrorist threat posed by the Polisario and vindicates the case to designate the Algeria-backed separatist a terrorist group.

The projectiles fired include Iran-made Arach,according to experts.

The attack came two days after two Congressmen introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the US to designate the group as terrorist. The resolution,submitted by Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC),alongside Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL),warns of the risk to regional stability by the Polisario amid growing ties with Iran,a country with a long experience in using proxies to gain a foothold.

The Algerian regime applauded the attack. The Polisario militias have their rear base in the camps of Tindouf. Algerian regime mouthpieces and analysts have by the past instigated attacks on Moroccan civilians and cities.

The Polisario has already unilaterally withdrawn from the 1991 UN ceasefire agreement. It has under the instigation of Algeria conducted skirmishes targeting Moroccan armed forces in what the UN has described as a low-intensity conflict.

The recent attack on Smara comes in a series of terrorist acts targeting the city. In October 2023,the Polisario used terrorist tactics targeting a residential area in Smara with four explosions killing one and injuring four.

The Polisario also claimed responsibility for an attack on a rally of civilians in November 2024,who gathered in Mahbes to celebrate the 48th anniversary of the Green March. The attack could have killed scores had it not been for the vigilance of the Moroccan armed forces in thwarting the aggression.

The Polisario’s links to Sahel terror groups,its targeting of civilians and violation of the UN ceasefire agreement has motivated western Think tanks such as FDD and the Hudson Institute,as well as US Congressmen and members of the political class in the UK to call for designating the Algeria-backed separatists as terrorist group.