Mauritanian Army intercepts Polisario vehicles near border buffer zone

Tuesday 24 February 2026 - 13:00

By: Sahili Aya

Mauritanian Army intercepts Polisario vehicles near border buffer zone

The Mauritanian army has intercepted two military vehicles and a truck reportedly linked to the Polisario Front near the buffer zone along the border with Morocco, according to local sources. The operation reflects heightened security vigilance in a region marked by persistent instability.

The interception took place close to the sensitive frontier area separating Mauritanian territory from the buffer strip adjacent to Morocco. Authorities said security units acted after identifying suspicious movements, prompting immediate field checks and verification procedures.

Nouakchott has in recent years reinforced surveillance and preventive security measures across its border regions. These areas, located within the wider Sahel-Saharan corridor, have historically faced risks including arms trafficking, smuggling networks, and the movement of armed groups.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions in the Sahel, where the circulation of weapons and the activity of non-state armed actors continue to challenge regional stability. Mauritanian forces have previously tightened access to remote zones in the northeast of the country, particularly near areas bordering the Tindouf camps.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining territorial sovereignty and preventing unauthorized movements that could undermine national security. The incident also highlights the continued sensitivity of the buffer zone established under the 1991 ceasefire agreement concerning Moroccan Sahara, which remains under international supervision.

While no further details have been officially released regarding the individuals involved, the operation underscores Mauritania’s broader strategy of strict border control amid evolving regional security dynamics.