global news•Sat, October 10, 2026•4 min read

Royal Moroccan Army Clears Millions of Square Meters of Explosives in Western Sahara

A new UN report reveals that the Royal Moroccan Army has cleared 268.97 million square meters of explosive hazards in Western Sahara. The operation aims to enhance safety for civilians and peacekeepers in the contested territory. Efforts to address the long-term impact of conflict remain a priority for regional security.

A Massive Safety Operation

The Royal Moroccan Army has achieved a significant milestone in regional demining efforts, clearing approximately 268.97 million square meters of explosive hazards in Western Sahara. This achievement was officially documented in a recent report by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, which covered the period from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

The clearing operation, conducted west of the region's sand berm, addresses a legacy of explosive remnants left by decades of conflict. Beyond land clearance, the Moroccan military reported the destruction of 44 anti-personnel mines, five anti-tank mines, and 264 additional items of explosive ordnance.

Demining operations in Western Sahara are critical for the safety of local residents and UN personnel.

Collaboration and the Role of MINURSO

The demining activities in Western Sahara do not happen in a vacuum. These efforts operate alongside the United Nations Mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). The collaboration is essential for ensuring that roadways and patrol routes are safe for both humanitarian workers and peacekeepers.

Over 1,300 mine clearance missions were conducted by UN teams between October 2025 and September 2026.
UNMAS focuses on risk education, route verification for MINURSO, and victim assistance.
Despite significant progress, vast stretches of hazardous terrain remain uncleared in the territory.
The UN continues to emphasize the importance of these operations in preventing an escalation of hostilities.

Why This Matters for the Future

The presence of unexploded ordnance remains a constant threat to civilians and peacekeepers. By systematically removing these hazards, the parties involved are directly reducing the risks that have plagued the region for years. While the recent figures are encouraging, the scale of the remaining contamination—spanning thousands of square kilometers—highlights that the mission is far from over.

Until a mutually acceptable political solution is reached, MINURSO, through its monitoring and investigation of incidents and its engagement with the parties, continues to play a critical role in preventing an escalation of hostilities.
— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Key Takeaways

The Royal Moroccan Army cleared nearly 269 million square meters of land in Western Sahara.
The operation resulted in the destruction of hundreds of mines and pieces of explosive ordnance.
MINURSO and UNMAS continue to coordinate clearance missions and provide explosive risk education.
Thousands of square kilometers of hazardous terrain still require further assessment and clearance.
These efforts are vital for protecting local communities and UN peacekeepers operating in the territory.

FAQ

How much land was cleared by the Royal Moroccan Army?

The Royal Moroccan Army reported the clearance of approximately 268.97 million square meters of land in Western Sahara.

What kind of explosives were destroyed during this period?

The operation resulted in the destruction of 44 anti-personnel mines, five anti-tank mines, and 264 items of explosive ordnance.

What is the role of MINURSO in these demining efforts?

MINURSO, supported by UNMAS, monitors incidents, engages with parties to prevent conflict escalation, and verifies safe routes for patrols.

Is all of Western Sahara now free of explosive hazards?

No. Despite the recent progress, there are still thousands of square kilometers of potentially hazardous terrain that require assessment and clearance.