Impressive military maneuvers took place in western Algeria, in the region of Tindouf, near the border with Morocco. If these exercises are not unusual at this time of year, they intervene in a particular context with tense relations between Algeria and its neighbors.
Fighter planes, multiple missile launches, armored vehicles and the deployment of troops by helicopter, the images broadcast by national television highlight the Algerian strike force mobilized for the “Al-Somoud” exercise, constancy, in Arabic. Under the watchful eye of Chief of Staff Saïd Chanegriha, these maneuvers took place near Tindouf, a region bordering Morocco and the territory of Western Sahara, where the administration is located. and Sahrawi IDP camps.
Exercises with real ammunition, and above all, at night. This is the main novelty according to analyst Akram Kharief, a specialist in the Algerian army. This one wants to prove that it can operate in night conditions. Akram Kharief recalls that exercises of this type are classic, that they take place every year in June, the period of class exit from military schools, and in all Algerian military regions.
Nevertheless, they intervene in a context of tensions with Morocco, but also with Spain. The Algerian Navy has also recently carried out a naval exercise, “Hurricane”, in the Mediterranean, near the waters of the two countries.
For its part, Morocco is preparing to participate from June 20, in joint maneuvers with the United States as part of the “African Lion” operation. Some will take place on Saharawi territory claimed by the Polisario Front, very close to the Algerian border.