Spanish authorities have arrested a pro-Polisario separatist accused of inciting and planning to commit terrorist acts against Moroccan interests, Spanish outlet Diario de Mallorca reported earlier this week.
Investigators uncovered evidence allegedly linking the suspect to plans to commit acts of terrorism, including “extremist” messages and efforts to acquire explosive materials for use in incendiary suicide belts.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, allegedly used social media platforms to call for “jihad” against Morocco. Authorities found inflammatory messages on the Telegram app, in addition to evidence of attempts to encourage others to carry out violent attacks targeting Moroccan entities.
The National Court, Spain’s highest criminal court, arraigned the suspect based on incriminating evidence and remanded him into custody for pre-trial detention. Officials have underscored the seriousness of the suspect’s acts and the broader implications of the activities of the Polisario Front that are destabilizing an already vulnerable region.
The arrest comes amid heightened tensions following a terrorist attack on Mahbes, a town in the Moroccan Sahara. On November 9, 2024, during celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of Morocco’s Green March, the Polisario militia reportedly fired shells from off-road vehicles east of the defense wall.
Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces neutralized the attackers with the use of drones, and the attack caused no casualties.
The assault in Mahbes mirrors an earlier attack in October 2023 on the city of Smara, where shelling targeted residential neighborhoods. That incident killed one person, injured three others, and caused significant property damage.
The Polisario Front unilaterally ended the 1991 UN-brokered ceasefire in November 2020.