Iran backs Algeria with arms to detach Western Sahara from Morocco
For years, Iran, through Hezbollah, has supported Algeria's efforts to detach Western Sahara from Morocco. A report by "The Washington Post" reveals details of this assistance, which included arming and training separatists.
What do you need to know?
- Iran and Hezbollah: Iran, through Hezbollah, supported Algeria by arming and training the Western Sahara separatists to detach this province from Morocco.
- Severance of relations: In 2018, Morocco severed diplomatic relations with Iran because of the military aid Tehran provided to the separatists backed by Algeria.
- Evidence of cooperation: Morocco possesses intelligence reports and photos documenting Hezbollah's meetings with Polisario rebels in Algiers.
What is the evidence of Iran's support for the separatists?
According to "The Washington Post," Iran has supported Algeria's efforts to separate Western Sahara from Morocco for years, utilizing Hezbollah to achieve this.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita confirmed that Hezbollah established military relations with the Polisario Front through the Iranian embassy in Algeria. Morocco viewed this as a threat to its security.
In 2018, Morocco decided to cut diplomatic ties with Iran due to the military aid provided by Iran and Hezbollah to the Polisario Front separatists, who are supported by Algeria. Morocco had evidence in the form of intelligence reports and photos documenting meetings between Hezbollah representatives and rebels in Algiers.
The separatists also fought in Syria
The Western Sahara separatists were also used by Iran in Syria, where they fought against the rebels. After the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, about 500 Polisario Front fighters were detained by the new authorities in Damascus. Syria's temporary president, Ahmed al-Shara, announced that the detainees would stand trial.
