602 Chapter 5
of military posts and that was also claimed for irredentist claims). News reports
speculated that this was done in an attempt to force Algeria into talks to redefine their
boundaries, something Morocco had pushed for in their previous dispute in 1962.
Propaganda attacks took place throughout much of October 1963, with Alge-
ria accusing the monarchy in Morocco of supporting Franco-style democracy and
Morocco accusing Algeria’s government of violence and dictatorial measures against
citizens. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the territory issue were taking place in early
October when Algeria forces moved into two areas in the disputed region and clashed
with Moroccan forces that refused to withdraw. Algeria’s president refused to address
the fatal clash, saying that the areas occupied were in Algerian territory. Further
clashes throughout the Hassi-Beida and Tindourf areas continued in mid- to late Octo-
ber. Although a ceasefire was agreed to by both governments that would begin on the
night of November 1, 1963, fighting continued until November 4. On February 20,
1964, the two governments agreed to a withdrawal of troops to the October 1, 1963,
positions and to an exchange of prisoners.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from September 30, 1963. End Date changed
from November 4, 1963. Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from
None.
MID#1331
Started in October 1975. See the narrative in the 230 Spain/600 Morocco dyad dispute
list.
MID#3024
Dispute Number: 3024
Date(s): June 10, 1979 to October 7, 1979
Participants: 615 Algeria/600 Morocco
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: 26–100 deaths
Narrative: On June 10, 1979, President Chadli of Algeria warned the president of
Morocco that if Moroccan forces violated Algerias borders, then Morocco would face
the consequences and be met with force. Chadli argued that Morocco was “denying
the existence of the people of Western Sahara and their right to self-determination.”
This came during talks of decolonization of Western Sahara and conflict between
Morocco and the Polisario front. Three days later Polisario forces (supported by Alge-
ria) attacked the Moroccan town of Tan Tan, with unknown losses. Algeria said the
town’s port and airport were wiped out; Morocco said the Algerian units were wiped
out. On June 17, Polisario forces again attacked Tan Tan, killing between 20 and 250
Moroccans with approximately 60 Polisario fatalities. Moroccan and Algerian troops
then clashed during the weekend of October 5, with each side reporting they killed
more than 1,000 troops (with actual losses in the 100–200 troop range for both).
Morocco protested the Algerian-initiated clash on October 10.
Coding changes: End Date changed from October 10, 1979. Fatalities changed from
Missing.