Morocco clears 269 million square meters of explosives in Western Sahara

The Royal Moroccan Army has cleared approximately 269 million square meters of explosive hazards in the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Over the past year, military teams neutralized 44 anti-personnel landmines, five anti-tank mines, and 264 items of explosive ordnance to protect local populations, nomadic communities, and international peacekeepers.

These demining efforts are conducted in coordination with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) under the mandate of the UN Mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO). While significant progress has been made, numerous minefields and cluster-munition strike sites remain, necessitating continued clearance operations to ensure humanitarian access and safety.

The operations occur amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the role of MINURSO in preventing the escalation of hostilities and has recommended extending the mission's mandate until October 31, 2027, pending a political settlement.