Rabat – Algeria’s Ministry of National Defense announced today that its forces killed three Moroccan nationals and arrested a fourth during an operation near Bechar on Wednesday evening.
The regime claimed the group was involved in drug trafficking.
The defense ministry identified the people killed in the alleged ambush as Abdellah Adda, Mohamed Azza, and Gendoussi Sarfaga, claiming it “neutralized” three “smugglers.”
Algeria’s regime also alleged that a fourth Moroccan, under the name of Mimoun Azza, was arrested during the reported ambush.
According to the ministry, the individuals were intercepted after allegedly attempting to exploit severe weather conditions to carry out smuggling activities.
Authorities in Algeria alleged seizing 74 kilograms of processed cannabis, a hunting rifle, and various equipment during the operation.
“This high-quality operation once again demonstrates the vigilance of all units of the National People’s Army and sends a firm message to anyone who dares to attempt to breach national territory and undermine its integrity and security,” the statement reads.
In 2023, Algeria’s regime sparked outrage and frustration in a shocking incident that involved its forces in the murder of Moroccan-French men who were enjoying a day on their jet skis at Saidia beach, before being swept away by the currents and getting lost in Algerian waters.
The victims included Bilal Kessi and Abdelali Mchiouer as well as one survivor apprehended by Algerian authorities.
The outrage made local and regional headlines, especially after a video showing one of the victims’ lifeless bodies floating in the sea circulated online.
Algeria’s regime has been accusing Morocco of “spreading the drug scourge.”
The claims and allegations come as no surprise, as many Algerian officials have been sharing baseless claims against Morocco as part of Algiers’ hostile campaign targeting Morocco’s territorial integrity.
Former Algerian foreign minister Abdelkader Messahel once accused Morocco of laundering drug money in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Moroccan banks are being used in laundering the revenues from the sales of hashish [cannabis resin]. Everybody knows that,” the former foreign minister claimed.
Algeria’s regime has additionally accused Morocco of causing wildfires that struck the country in the Kabylie region in 2021 due to extreme heat and rising temperatures.
