Moroccans and Sahrawis clash

On 23 July 2008, hundreds of Moroccans and Sahrawis clashed in the coastal town of Itereft, located 62 mi/100 km from Dakhla in Western Sahara, over a dispute regarding local fisheries. Approximately 60 people were injured when Moroccan locals attacked Saharawis in the area using sticks, knives and axes and burning several vehicles in the town. Two Sahrawi victims are reported to be missing. Moroccan security forces were deployed throughout the city of Dakhla following the clashes in an effort to prevent any reprisal attacks or rioting by Sahrawi residents in the area. Clashes and incidents of violent unrest are common in the contentious Western Sahara region. The significant fishing industry, which is the primary source of income for many coastal towns and cities, is generally run by Moroccans. Local Sahrawis have in the past complained of widespread injustices by industry officials and Moroccan authorities in the region. Sahrawis have been holding marches and engaging in minor civil actions since 8 July to protest what they allege are injustices targeting local Sahrawis by Moroccan residents and officials.