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United Nations
Mission fior the Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso) HQ
Laayoune. The mission has been operational since 1991. As of Spring 2009, no progress on
the future of Western Sahara has been agreed on between Morocco,
which claims sovereignty, and the Frente Polisaro, which effectively
controls a substantial part of the area. Strength as of
28 February 2009
200 military
observers 102 international
civilian personnel, 158 local civilian
staff 19 United Nations
Volunteers Organization The UN presence is
unusual in that the civil and military parts of the mission are
integrated. A PRC general commands the mission. 9 observation sites Liaison office in
Tindouf, Algeria, which is rebel HQ. The original plan called for
1651 personnel including
an infantry battalion (700 troops) and 550 military observers to monitor the
Settlement Plan; since the latter has not been implemented, only
observers are stationed. They
conduct about 570 ground and 40 air patrols each month. Includes Malaysia
medical unit. Frente Polisario HQ Tindouf, Algeria 3-6,000 (estimated) Reserves
(estimate)<20,000 Estimated 8
battalions. Estimated
Inventory Polisario has a huge
amount of equipment captured from Moroccan forces but its availability is poor.
Algeria provides assistance of all kinds.
Copyright 2001-2013 Ravi Rikhye No reproduction without permission
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