Algerian Military Allegedly Enters Moroccan Territory Near Figuig | Border Dispute

Tensions Rise as Algerian Soldiers Enter Moroccan Territory Near Figuig

Algerian soldiers reportedly entered Moroccan territory on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the Ksar Ich area of Figuig Province, escalating tensions between the two North African nations. Video footage purportedly confirming the incursion has been circulating online, shared by Algerian opposition figure Walid Kebir, who is based in Morocco.

According to Kebir, “A group of Algerian border guards crossed the barriers they had erected a few days earlier on the border, opposite the Moroccan town of Ksar Ich, and penetrated between 150 and 200 meters into Moroccan territory. They remained there for two hours before withdrawing to Algerian territory.”

قامت اليوم الاربعاء 11 فبراير 2026 في تمام الساعة 11 صباحا مجموعة تمثل عناصر من حرس الحدود الجزائري بتحاوز الأحجار التي وضعتها قبل ايام على الحدود قبالة قصر ايش المغربية وتوغلت ما بين 150 متر إلى 200 متر داخل التراب المغربي حتى انها اقتربت من دار التراث وبقيت لمدة ساعتين ثم غادرت…

This latest incident follows a similar deployment of Algerian soldiers near Ksar Ich last week. Those earlier movements were characterized as provocative acts, including the placement of painted stones and the firing of warning shots into the air. An Algerian helicopter was also reported to have flown over the oasis area on the Algerian side of the border.

The current escalation comes shortly after discussions regarding the Western Sahara dispute, which took place on Sunday and Monday at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, with Algeria participating. Sources suggest that Algeria’s presence at those talks may have angered some Algerian generals.

Moroccan security sources, speaking to Hespress, stated that Algeria sent army elements to the Ksar Ich area on Wednesday and began an attempt to demarcate the border by placing stones and plastic bags and removing wires protecting Moroccan farmers’ orchards. The sources characterized the incident as part of a pattern of Algerian “provocations” and affirmed Morocco’s preference for “the language of reason” over confrontation.

Moroccan authorities reportedly deployed military units to prevent the Algerian forces from continuing what they described as an incursion and demanded their immediate withdrawal. The sources also allege previous instances of Algeria encroaching on agricultural lands in the Figuig area, viewing the latest move as another attempt to expand Algeria’s presence at Morocco’s expense.

The 1972 Algeria-Morocco treaty is cited as the framework governing border demarcation, but the sources claim Algeria has not respected its provisions. They also allege non-compliance with commitments related to the joint exploitation of the Gara Djebilet iron project, attributing the broader dispute to Algeria and accusing it of seeking to provoke a confrontation with Morocco.

Emergency meetings were held involving Moroccan officials at the provincial administration level in Figuig, alongside military and security personnel, to determine an appropriate response following the order for the Algerian elements to withdraw.

The relationship between Algeria and Morocco has been historically fraught with tension, marked by crises such as the 1963 Sand War and the Western Sahara War (1975-1991). The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994. The ongoing disagreement over the political status of Western Sahara and the 2020 Israel-Morocco normalization agreement have further complicated relations.

As of Wednesday evening, the situation remained tense, with both sides maintaining a military presence in the area. Further developments are expected as Morocco assesses its response to the incursion and seeks a diplomatic resolution to the escalating border dispute.