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Algerian marines kill Moroccan footballer attempting to reach Europe
A young Moroccan footballer’s pursuit of a better life ended in tragedy when Algerian naval forces fatally shot him while he attempted to cross the Mediterranean.
The incident occurred when the athlete, along with several other young men, departed from Saidia beaches in a high-speed boat known locally as a “Phantom.” According to local sources, the Algerian coast guard intercepted the vessel and opened fire, striking the player with six bullets in the abdomen. He succumbed to his injuries at sea.
The victim, a former player for Al Amal Sports Club in Al Aroui, had been the sole provider for his family following his father’s death. His aspirations of supporting his loved ones by building a future in Europe were cut short by this devastating act.
Mourning in Al Aroui
The town of Al Aroui, located in Morocco’s Nador Province, has been plunged into grief following the young athlete’s death. Al Amal Sports Club issued an official statement expressing their sorrow and condolences to the player’s family. The club described him as a talented athlete and a respected figure in the community, known for his exemplary character on and off the field.
“With deep sadness and sorrow, we received news of the death of our former player aboard the Saidia ‘Phantom,’ intercepted by Algerian civil guard elements with gunfire,” the statement read.
A recurring pattern of violence
This tragedy is not an isolated incident. Allegations of excessive force by Algerian naval forces against Moroccan migrants have surfaced repeatedly in recent years. Critics accuse the Algerian military of violating international law in its handling of irregular migration cases.
In 2022, the Algerian navy killed four undocumented migrants, including a child and a Moroccan woman. That same year, two Moroccan-French men were fatally shot by Algerian coast guards while jet skiing near Saidia beach. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about Algeria’s approach to border control and its treatment of migrants.
As outrage grows, human rights advocates are calling for international scrutiny and accountability for incidents involving the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. The death of this young Moroccan footballer has become yet another symbol of the perils faced by those seeking a new life across the Mediterranean.