On Wednesday, Algeria accused two groups recently classified as terrorist organizations of causing devastating wildfires this month, stating that one of the groups is supported by Morocco and Israel. The presidential office noted that the police had arrested 22 individuals on suspicion of igniting the fires, but emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with the Rashad Islamic Group and the MAK, a separatist movement in the Kabylie region. This year, Algerian authorities designated both groups as terrorist organizations. On Wednesday, the presidency stated that MAK "receives support and assistance from foreign parties, especially Morocco and the Zionist entity," referring to Israel. Attempts to contact the Moroccan and Israeli foreign ministries for comment were unsuccessful.
Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been strained for decades, with Algeria supporting the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, a region that Morocco claims as its own. Algeria does not recognize Israel and only refers to it in official statements as "the Zionist entity." Earlier this month, Israel announced that it would soon establish full diplomatic relations with Morocco.
The wildfires have ravaged Algeria this month and are described as the fiercest the country has faced, causing damage and fatalities in several provinces, particularly in Tizi Ouzou in the Kabylie region east of the capital. Following a meeting of the Supreme Security Council, the presidency added, "Security services are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the remaining perpetrators... and all members of the two terrorist movements that threaten public security and national unity."
Last month, Algeria summoned its ambassador in Rabat after a Moroccan diplomat in New York called for the right of the Kabylie people to self-determination. In July, Moroccan King Mohammed VI called for improving relations with Algeria and reopening the long-closed borders between the two countries. Morocco offered to send aid to combat the wildfires, but Algeria did not publicly respond to this offer.
