A group of around thirty Sahrawi gold prospectors, originally from the Tindouf camps, have headed towards an area east of the Sand Wall. In audio recordings accessed by Yabiladi, the prospectors say they have settled about eight kilometers from Moroccan army positions, in territories they describe as «liberated», in an effort to provide for their families living in difficult conditions in Lahmada. They admit, however, that among them are fighters from Polisario's military regions who abandoned their posts to join this activity. Unusually, according to their testimonies, the Royal Armed Forces' drones have not yet carried out airstrikes against this group of Sahrawi prospectors. They do note, however, that Moroccan drones are constantly patrolling the area. At the same time, vehicles from Polisario militias have reportedly ordered the prospectors to leave. For several months, Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps have accused influential Polisario leaders, through audio messages, of trying to seize control of this lucrative trade.
