US Congress unveils bill to classify Polisario as a terrorist group

Saturday 12 July 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

US Congress unveils bill to classify Polisario as a terrorist group

The US Congress has officially published the text of a bipartisan bill introduced in June by Republican Congressman Joe Wilson. The proposed legislation builds a case for designating the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its links to Hezbollah and Iran, as well as its destabilizing activities in the Maghreb and Sahel regions.

The bill, titled the "Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act," underscores the group’s history of connections with Iran and its involvement in violent attacks against Moroccan forces. It argues that the Polisario Front's actions and alliances pose significant threats to regional stability.

Evidence of ties with Iran and Hezbollah

The bill highlights the Polisario Front’s longstanding relationship with Iran, which has been classified as a state sponsor of terrorism. It traces this connection back to the 1980s, when Polisario fighters were publicly photographed with images of Ayatollah Khomeini. These actions were described as attempts to gain revolutionary credibility and Iranian patronage.

Additionally, the document references reports of Hezbollah’s collaboration with the Polisario Front. The exposure of this relationship led Morocco to sever diplomatic ties with Iran in 2018. Moroccan officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita and UN Ambassador Omar Hilale, have presented evidence linking Iran to the provision of military training, equipment, and drones to the separatist group.

A 2025 report by the Washington Post is also cited, revealing that Iran has trained Polisario fighters and supplied them with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Sources in the report confirmed that Hezbollah’s involvement aims to further Iran’s strategic interests in the Sahel region.

Regional destabilization and global implications

The bill warns of the Polisario Front’s growing capabilities and its role in destabilizing North and West Africa. It notes that images on Polisario-controlled social media platforms show the group using Iranian-derived munitions, further validating claims of external sponsorship.

Calls to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization have gained international traction. Former UK Secretary of State for Defense Liam Fox compared the group to other Iranian proxies, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, urging Western governments to act swiftly. Fox emphasized the importance of this designation for the security of Morocco and its allies.

Spanish media has also weighed in on the issue. An opinion piece published by La Provincia highlighted the group’s history of attacks on civilians, including workers from Fos Bucraa, Canary Islands fishermen, and Basque civilians. The article argued that labeling the Polisario as a terrorist group is a moral imperative, not just a political statement.

Growing international support

The momentum to classify the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization reflects a broader concern over its destabilizing impact. Advocates of the bill stress that this designation is essential to curbing Iranian influence in the region and protecting the Maghreb and Sahel from further security threats.

Congressman Wilson’s legislation is expected to ignite further debate in Washington and beyond, as policymakers assess the evidence presented and its implications for regional and global security.