Othmani: Securing Guerguerat Crossing Led to ‘Qualitative, Strategic Shift’

Saad Eddine El Othmani
Saad Eddine El Othmani
TT
20

Othmani: Securing Guerguerat Crossing Led to ‘Qualitative, Strategic Shift’

Saad Eddine El Othmani
Saad Eddine El Othmani

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani has affirmed that securing Guerguerat crossing, on the borders between Morocco and Mauritania, was a correction of “an illegal situation on ground.”

He said this step contributes to consolidating the South-South cooperation in the framework of Morocco’s integration with its African economic and social environment.

Speaking at the House of Representatives (lower house) on the occasion of the monthly public policy session, Othmani pointed out that this event is a milestone in the history of the national cause because it brought about “a qualitative and strategic shift on ground.

Commenting on the Royal Armed Forces’ intervention in securing the border crossing after the Polisario Front obstructed the commercial movement there, the Premier stressed it was a correction of the situation after the Kingdom pledged to maintain the most possible self-control and has exhausted all possible means to force separatist militias to withdraw.

The operation came in line with the international legitimacy and in full respect for the Kingdom’s international obligations, including the UN-sponsored ceasefire agreement, to which Morocco is still adhered to.

Othmani hailed the support received by Morocco from several friendly countries and the opening of consulates in the Saharan regions, in what he considered “a practical translation of these countries’ conviction that Morocco is serious in its initiative to reach a political solution to the fabricated dispute over its Sahara region.”

“The inauguration of consulates and support for Guerguerat operation could be added to Morocco’s diplomatic victories.”

He also highlighted the development programs implemented by the country in its Sahara regions.

These include the 2016- 2021 development program, which includes program contracts to implement more than 700 projects with an initial total budget estimated at 77 billion dirhams ($7.7 billion).

The budget was later raised to 85 billion dirhams ($8.5 billion), which includes the completion of major programs, such as the highway, which links between Tiznit and Dakhla cities, along 1.055 km at a cost of 10 billion dirhams ($1 billion).

He also referred to 17.8 billion dirhams-worth ($1.78 billion) Phosboucraa industrial program in Laayoune, the wind and solar energy sites in Laayoune, Tarfaya, and Boujdour, with a total capacity of 600 megawatts at a cost of 8.7 billion dirhams ($870 million), as well as the Atlantic port of Dakhla at a cost of 10 billion dirhams ($1billion).



Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
TT
20

Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 

Türkiye is accelerating preparations to establish an airbase in the city of Palmyra, east of Homs, following an announcement by its Ministry of Defense last week that it is considering a request from the Syrian administration in Damascus to set up a base for training purposes.

Reports indicate that Turkish military convoys carrying equipment entered northern Syria overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, likely transporting logistical supplies and gear to the “T4” airbase in Palmyra.

The pro-government Turkish newspaper “Türkiye” reported on Wednesday that the country has taken official steps to take control of the Tiyas Military Airbase—also known as Tiyas Airport, T4 Airbase —located near the village of Tiyas, about 60 kilometers east of Palmyra in Homs province.

According to the report, Türkiye plans to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the base, incorporating domestically produced weapons. Additionally, Ankara intends to deploy reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs with advanced strike capabilities. The goal is to enhance the country’s counterterrorism efforts against ISIS while also deterring potential Israeli airstrikes in the region.

Some sources suggest that Türkiye may also consider deploying the Russian S-400 air defense system, which it acquired in the summer of 2019.

Retired Turkish Brigadier General Fahri Erenel stated that Ankara plans to take significant steps in Syria in April. He mentioned that after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a defense agreement was negotiated with the Syrian interim government. Under this agreement, Türkiye would provide air support and military protection to the new Syrian administration.

Israeli Concerns

Israel is deeply concerned about Türkiye’s growing cooperation with Damascus and its efforts to expand its military presence in Syria.

An Israeli security official, speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, described the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria as a “possible threat” to Israel. The official, whose name was not disclosed, warned that a Turkish airbase in Syria would undermine Israel’s operational freedom and was therefore something Tel Aviv opposed.

On Friday, the Israeli military announced that it had targeted what it described as “strategic military capabilities” at Syrian army bases in Palmyra and the T4 airbase. The Israeli official indicated that the strike on T4 was a message that Israel would not tolerate any obstacles to its air operations in Syria.