Violent clashes in Tindouf’s Smara camp cause injuries and property damage

Violent clashes reportedly broke out yesterday inside the Smara camp in Tindouf between two families from the Fakra and Oulad Moussa tribes, according to the Forum for Supporting Autonomy Supporters in Tindouf Camps (Forsatin).

According to the same source, the conflict originated from a minor dispute over a water tap around two weeks ago, which gradually escalated into violent confrontations involving live ammunition. The clashes reportedly led to injuries and the burning of property.

Forsatin said the situation worsened due to the lack of intervention by the Polisario Front leadership in recent days, allowing the dispute to spiral into a broader tribal conflict. The group also claimed that the leadership has either ignored such tensions or used them to divert attention from political issues.

The source added that the situation further escalated after the intervention of one of the Polisario leader’s personal guards, who is said to belong to one of the families involved. He allegedly used his service weapon to shoot a member of the rival family, seriously injuring him in the abdomen and leaving him in critical condition.

According to the same source, the victim’s tribe then launched retaliatory actions, reportedly setting fire to tents, mud houses, and several vehicles.