Russian shadow airlines use Algeria as a base to bypass sanctions

An investigation by the specialized outlet Defense News, highlighted by Le Parisien, has revealed the existence of a covert air network linking Russia and Algeria, allegedly used to circumvent international sanctions imposed on Moscow since the start of the war in Ukraine. Between March 2025 and April 2026, at least 167 cargo flights to Algeria were documented. Although officially operated by civilian companies, the flights are reportedly part of a logistics network supporting Russia’s

3.1-magnitude earthquake strikes near Fnideq

A light 3.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the Moroccan city of Fnideq on Wednesday morning, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake hit at 7:21 a.m. local time at a shallow depth of 9.8 kilometers, with its epicenter located about 8.3 kilometers southeast of Fnideq in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. According to the EMSC, 78 people reported feeling the quake, most of them in Tetouan, Ceuta, and Mdiq. The earthquake was also felt in parts of

Association condemns Polisario attack on Smara, calls for UN action

The Association of Supporters of Autonomy in the Saharan Regions has strongly condemned the Polisario Front for launching projectiles targeting the city of Smara, holding the Algerian regime accountable for «stoking tensions and promoting extremism in the region». The association views these attacks as a direct threat to civilian safety and the stability of Morocco's southern provinces. In a statement, the association described these actions as a breach of the ceasefire agreement

Morocco showcases leadership in implementing the Global Compact on Migration at UN Forum

On Tuesday, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Morocco underscored its leadership by example in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, which was adopted in Marrakech in 2018. During its participation in the second Migration Review Forum, held from May 5 to 8, 2026, the kingdom highlighted its achievements and best practices in this area. These efforts are rooted in a proactive and voluntary approach, focusing on the effective fulfillment of the

Police in Chefchaouen arrest four for defrauding tourist after viral video

Police in the city of Chefchaouen arrested four individuals on Monday on suspicion of extorting and defrauding a foreign tourist, as well as inciting him to consume drugs. The arrests came after a video documenting the incident circulated widely on social media. According to security sources, investigations enabled authorities to quickly identify and apprehend the suspects shortly after the footage came to their attention. The four suspects have been placed in custody as part of a judicial

Chamber of Advisors approves bill transforming ONHYM into public limited company

On Tuesday, May 5, the Chamber of Advisors approved Bill 56.24 by majority vote during a legislative session, transforming the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) into a public limited company. The bill was passed with 26 votes in favor, while two advisors abstained. The Chamber of Advisors’ Productive Sectors Committee had previously approved the bill on April 22, 2026, as part of the broader reform of public institutions and enterprises aimed at strengthening governance

Morocco’s Ambassador to the US tours Atlas Lions’ future World Cup base in New Jersey

Morocco’s ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, visited the future base camp of the Atlas Lions in New Jersey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the kingdom’s official decision to select the Pingry School in Basking Ridge as the national team’s training site during the tournament. During the visit, Amrani toured the facility alongside New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Alex Lasry, director of the New York/New Jersey World Cup Host Committee, reads a

Morocco advances health digitalization with strategic agreements at GITEX Future Health Africa

On Tuesday in Casablanca, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tehraoui, led the signing ceremony for agreements and memorandums of understanding aimed at bolstering key initiatives in digitalization, research, and health innovation. These agreements were formalized during the inaugural edition of GITEX Future Health Africa Morocco (May 4-6). They were signed after a meeting focused on accelerating health system transformation through a results-oriented partnership. This meeting

Polisario Front claims responsibility for Smara projectile attack

The Polisario Front has claimed responsibility for the attack carried out Tuesday on the city of Smara, which involved the launch of three projectiles. In a statement, the separatist group attempted to magnify the operation, claiming that its militias carried out a «targeted bombardment» against what it described as «enemy rear bases on the outskirts of the city», a narrative that contradicts the facts observed on the ground. As part of its usual propaganda, primarily

Youtuber Mohamed Reda Taoujni fined in defamation case by Prince Moulay Hicham

On Tuesday, the Rabat Primary Court handed down a verdict against activist Mohamed Reda Taoujni in the lawsuit filed by Prince Moulay Hicham. Taoujni has been ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 dirhams, along with a civil compensation of 600,000 dirhams to the plaintiff. The charges stem from accusations of defamation linked to statements Taoujni made on his YouTube channel on September 11th. Prince Moulay Hicham argued that these statements included «accusations and phrases that

Moroccan automotive exports soar 12.1 percent to 42 billion dirhams by March 2026

By the close of March 2026, Morocco's automotive sector exports surged to nearly 42 billion dirhams, reflecting a 12.1% rise compared to the same period last year, as reported by the Foreign Exchange Office. This robust performance is largely driven by significant growth in the construction segment, which soared by 23.7% to reach 16.88 billion dirhams, and the wiring segment, which saw an increase of 10.9%, totaling 16.04 billion dirhams, according to the latest bulletin on monthly foreign

Polisario launches three projectiles at Smara [Photos]

Three explosive projectiles fell on Tuesday in the city of Smara, prompting heightened security alert after they were launched by the Polisario Front from areas east of the sand wall. According to consistent sources, the projectiles landed in different parts of the city. The first fell in an uninhabited area opposite the local prison, the second behind the same facility, while the third struck an area located behind the city’s cemetery. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the

Moroccan expatriate remittances rise to 29.7 billion dirhams by March 2026

Funds transferred by Moroccans living abroad have surpassed 29.7 billion dirhams by the close of March 2026, up from 26.62 billion dirhams during the same period last year, according to the Foreign Exchange Office. These remittances have seen an 11.7% increase year-on-year, as highlighted by the Office in its latest report on monthly foreign exchange indicators. The report also reveals a positive balance in the travel sector, reaching nearly 23.7 billion dirhams, marking a 31.4% rise. This

Morocco picks New Jersey base for 2026 World Cup

Morocco will set up its base camp in New Jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Brazil, Haiti, and Senegal in one of the most sought-after host regions, according to sources cited by The Athletic. The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, are expected to use Pingry School as their training facility. The site previously served as a World Cup base in 1994, when Italy trained there during the tournament. New Jersey has emerged as a key hub for several national teams

Fez Medina hosts large-scale rescue simulation to boost disaster response

The medina of Fez, particularly the Ziyat district, hosted a large-scale rescue and relief simulation exercise on Monday, marked by the strong mobilization of emergency teams and close coordination among various stakeholders, under the supervision of the Regional Command of Civil Protection of Fez-Meknes. Organized in close collaboration with local authorities, the Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Medina of Fez (ADER), and health services, including the Hassan II University

Laayoune: Authorities foil attempt to smuggle 8.6 tons of cannabis resin

Police in Laayoune, in coordination with Morocco’s domestic intelligence service (DGST), foiled an attempt early Tuesday to smuggle 8.6 tons of cannabis resin (chira) and arrested three suspects aged between 18 and 37, believed to be linked to an international drug trafficking network. According to a security source, the operation was carried out in coordination with the Royal Gendarmerie in a rural area near Boujdour. The suspects were caught in the act while attempting to transport the

Morocco: Unemployment hits 10.8% in Q1 2026, youth most affected

In Morocco, the number of strictly unemployed people stood at 1,253,000 in the first quarter of 2026, of whom 31.3% are women. According to a labor market report by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the unemployment rate reached 10.8%, including 16.1% for women and 9.4% for men. Young people aged 15 to 24 are the most affected (29.2%), followed by those aged 25 to 34 (16.1%). The report also indicates that 671,000 employed individuals are affected by insufficient working hours. In

Moroccan striker Hamdallah sidelined after clash with teammate at Saudi club

Moroccan footballer Abderrazak Hamdallah, currently with Saudi club Al-Shabab, is embroiled in fresh controversy after clashing with Belgian teammate Yannick Carrasco over a free kick during a Saudi League match against Al-Taawoun. In response, Al-Shabab's management has sidelined Hamdallah from team training sessions for a week and excluded him from the upcoming match against Al-Nassr. Khaled Al-Shenaif @k_alshenaif details the altercation between Carrasco and Hamdallah in the locker