MINURSO raises alarm over drone activity and movement restrictions in Western Sahara

Tuesday 06 - 14:55

The United Nations has highlighted continued concerns within the MINURSO peacekeeping mission over the presence and operation of unmanned aircraft in and around its areas of activity in Western Sahara.

In his latest report covering developments from October 2025 through September 2026, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said MINURSO personnel had continued to observe unmanned aircraft at Smara airport. The observations prompted the mission's Force Commander to formally seek clarification from the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces.

According to the report, the request was sent on June 18. Two days later, the Moroccan military responded without providing specific information about the operational use of the drones. It nevertheless referred to the rules governing the conduct of its units, stressing that force may be used proportionately in legitimate self-defence or preventively when confronting an imminent threat involving a demonstrated risk of death.

The exchange reflects the increasingly sensitive security environment surrounding MINURSO's operations, where military activity and restrictions on the mission's movements continue to complicate its monitoring role.

Unidentified drones observed near MINURSO facilities

The UN report also records several occasions on which MINURSO detected unmanned aircraft flying over or near its team sites.

One such incident occurred on January 12 at the Mahbas team site. Following the observation, the UN mission sought explanations from both sides involved in the conflict. Neither the Moroccan Armed Forces nor the Polisario Front accepted responsibility for the aircraft.

The absence of a clear attribution has added another layer of uncertainty to an already heavily monitored security environment. For MINURSO, maintaining freedom of movement and the ability to observe developments on the ground remains central to its mandate.

The reported drone activity comes as the mission continues to operate in a territory divided by the berm and marked by longstanding military tensions.

Polisario restrictions remain a major obstacle

Guterres also reiterated concerns about restrictions imposed by the Polisario Front on MINURSO's movements east of the berm.

According to the report, the mission's ground patrols remain limited to a 20-kilometre radius around each team site. In Tifariti and Mijek, the restrictions are reportedly tighter, with patrols confined to specifically authorised routes.

The UN chief also pointed to the continued suspension of helicopter reconnaissance flights east of the berm. The Polisario Front has refused to permit such flights since November 2020, limiting MINURSO's ability to conduct aerial observation in that area.

These restrictions, combined with the concerns surrounding unmanned aircraft, underline the operational difficulties facing the UN mission as it seeks to monitor the situation on both sides of the berm.

A challenging operating environment for MINURSO

The latest findings point to a broader challenge for the UN presence in Western Sahara: maintaining effective monitoring capabilities amid competing military restrictions, contested responsibility for aerial activity and limitations on access.

While the report does not establish who operated the drones observed over MINURSO positions, it documents the mission's efforts to obtain clarification and maintain situational awareness.

For the UN, preserving access to its sites and ensuring the freedom of movement of its personnel remain essential to the credibility and effectiveness of its peacekeeping activities in Western Sahara.