Moroccan Sahara: Polisario claims responsibility for Es-Smara attack

In a press release issued on Sunday, 29 October 2023, and reported by the Sahawi press agency, the Polisario Front claimed responsibility for the attack that took place at 1a.m on October 29 in the town of Es-Smara.

As a reminder, a young Moroccan resident in France was killed, but three others were injured. The public prosecutor’s office announced the opening of an investigation.

The Polisario communication also mentions other military operations, which, according to them, affected Mahbes and Farsia. It also refers to ”heavy losses in enemy trenches,” without mentioning any civilian casualties. No mention is made of the Moroccan investigation.

An article by EC-Sahraoui, published after the Polisario communique, tempers the statement by saying that Sahrawi elements caused no civilian casualties, and carried out attacks in the ”vast Es-Smara sector.”

As previously reported and explained, the attack affected four impact zones in three districts of the town of Es-Smara. The first published and authenticated photos show traces of shrapnel on residential walls. The town of Es-Smara is located some forty kilometers from the defensive wall, putting it within range of a certain type of weapon used by armed militia and consistent with the damaged caused.