HIBAPRESS – Ahmed Al-Musaed
Elements of the Algerian army fired shots into the air for the second time today, Monday, February 9, near the border strip of the Ksar Ich region in the province of Figuig.
This provocation came within the framework of Algerian military movements that began days ago, including attempts to unilaterally place border markers, demolish some facilities (such as the shrine of a righteous saint), and remove protective fences belonging to Moroccan farmers. Local sources and residents considered that the shooting aims to intimidate the farmers and prevent them from reaching their historical lands, and an attempt to impose a new border reality in light of the region's preoccupation with the repercussions of the recent weather conditions. The Royal Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation, and field reports have recorded movements of Algerian elements (between 10 to 15 soldiers) in sensitive locations near the oasis, and a state of resentment and anger prevailed among the residents of Ksar Ich, who expressed their steadfastness and rejection of these provocations, demanding a firm intervention to protect their property and lands that they have been using for decades. Despite the gunshots, reports indicate the presence of "cautious calm" with the continued strict Moroccan military monitoring of the area to ensure that no further incursions occur.
