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Ghosts of Old Wars: The Mystery of Weapons in Western Sahara On a wind-scoured plain south of Smara, Moroccan soldiers and U.S. advisors sifted through the aftermath of battle. The air still carried the acrid scent of explosives, the sand pocked with shell casings and burn marks. But what drew the most attention were the weapons seized in the operations. Among the battered rifles and empty cartridges were relics of another era: shoulder-fired Igla missiles and mid-caliber mortars, the kind once standard in Algerian arsenals. The discovery has sparked a familiar round of accusations and denials, highlighting how even in a decades-old conflict, every weapon can become a political statement. Moroccan security officials, speaking off the record, claim the arms are proof of Algerian complicity. “This level of planning, this firepower — it didn’t come out of thin air,” said one senior officer. “Someone gave them the tools to hit us this hard.” Algeria, as ever, sees things differently. In a curtly worded communiqué, its Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations as scapegoating. “Anyone familiar with the Sahara knows these deserts are littered with remnants of past conflicts. Old arms circulate for decades on the black market. Algeria cannot be blamed for every loose round that turns up,” the statement read. Italian troops training with mortars The truth, as so often in the Western Sahara, is elusive. The Igla and mortar systems recovered could indeed be traced back to Algerian stocks — or they might have been stolen long ago, diverted in transit, or sold quietly by middlemen in a region where smuggling is as old as the caravan routes themselves. For Washington, the find is awkward. U.S. forces have deepened their counterinsurgency role in the region, presenting Morocco as a bulwark against jihadist chaos in the Sahel. Yet every new weapon seized raises the specter of escalation between Rabat and Algiers — a rivalry that has already frozen the Maghreb into two armed camps. European diplomats, meanwhile, worry aloud about the knock-on effects for energy supplies, migration policy, and Mediterranean stability. At the heart of it all, as always, are the Sahrawi. For fighters in the Polisario Front, old weapons are less symbols than lifelines, proof that their long-buried cause is not yet forgotten. For the thousands still stranded in the camps of Tindouf, the reappearance of Cold War–era arms is another reminder that their struggle has become hostage to the shifting interests of larger powers. The Igla tubes recovered in Smara are more than artifacts; they are echoes. They carry with them the ghosts of old wars, now pulled into the light of a new one. Whether they prove Algerian involvement or simply the resilience of desert smuggling networks, they are already reshaping the narrative — sharpening suspicions, hardening rivalries, and reminding the world that in Western Sahara, nothing stays buried forever. The truth always surfaces sooner or later. The IGLA is a shoulder-fired 72 mm surface-to-air missile launcher. More troubling still are recent, unverified leaks suggesting an attempt to supply the insurgents with much more than mortar tubes and rifles: night-vision goggles and an unknown number of armored personnel carriers of soviet-BTR type were allegedly handed over. If true, that would mark a significant change in intent and capability — NVG suites would extend the fighters’ operational window and precision, while armored vehicles would multiply their mobility and protection. But the caveat is essential: these claims could not be independently confirmed, and officials caution they may reflect rumor, disinformation, or loose talk among intermediaries. For now, the story of the Igla and the mortars remains evidence; the rest is a shadowed allegation that, if proven, would raise the stakes dramatically. Russian BTR on a training exercise in 2020 Revue Diplomatique Rachid Benyamina – North Africa and Sahel specialist

U.S. Helicopters Downed in Western Sahara The desert sky over Western Sahara lit up with fire this week, as reports confirmed that U.S. helicopters operating near Smara were brought down during counterinsurgency missions. Grainy footage of smoldering wreckage has already surfaced online, eagerly circulated by insurgent channels — but American officials stress that the full picture is far more complex, and far less conclusive. Details remain scarce. Washington has not confirmed the status of the aircrews, citing ongoing recovery operations and the need to safeguard sensitive information. What is clear is that U.S. and Moroccan forces moved swiftly to contain the situation, with rapid reaction elements deployed to secure crash zones and prevent further exploitation. “We will not speculate while operations are ongoing,” said one Pentagon spokesperson, “but we are committed to the safety of our personnel and the mission at hand.” A UH-60 Blackhawk and it's crew on a training flight Analysts suggest the helicopters were likely targeted by legacy man-portable air defense systems — Igla variants dating back to Cold War stockpiles. If true, it would underscore both the persistence of old weapons in the Sahara’s black markets and the sophistication of insurgents who can still wield them effectively. Despite the uncertainty, pentagon officials have struck a steady tone, framing the incident as evidence of why American involvement matters. “These attacks are meant to intimidate,” one defense official noted, “but they will only strengthen our resolve to stand with Morocco against destabilizing forces.” For the fighters who posted triumphant images of the wreckage online, the message was clear: they wanted the world to see America humbled in the desert. But for U.S. forces, the story is not about a single loss. It is about endurance, adaptation, and the mission to ensure that Western Sahara does not become the next battlefield where instability spreads unchecked. Globe and Anchor James Austin

Age: 35 First Name:David Last Name:Gwynn Discord Username: Wolf Steam Profile Link:https://steamcommunity.com/profiles ArmA III Player ID:/76561198026727786/ Desired Duty Assignment: SARC How Long have you been playing ArmA III: since release Are you currently a member of an ArmA III gaming clan or unit?: no Do you own or, during the next time they are on sale, will you own the Arma 3 Apex and Contact DLCs? (Requirement) (yes) Availability (Sunday/Saturday/Both): yes How did you find out about our unit? (discord) If you were recruited by one of our members, who was it? (Wood) Why do you want to join the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion? (want to play with others as a team) Do you understand the definition of realism gaming according to the 3d MRB and willing to abide by this game style? (yes kind of) Do you understand this unit is EST(GMT -5) time zoned based. Operations take place on Saturday at 1800 EST and Sunday at 2000 EST. (yes)

Wolf, 35 years old and 2900+ hours total.

Mr. Danger, Your application to the 3d Marine Raider Battalion has been denied. If you feel this denial is in error, you may wish to contact @HMC (FMF) Roe to file an appeal. Respectfully Submitted, HMC (FMF) Roe S-1 Chief

Mr. Mike We appreciate your application to the 3d MRB Realism Unit but, as our application message states, it is required to provide a realistic name, so we are unable to process your application at this time. Before we can process this application, it is also required to provide a valid ARMA 3 Player ID. To find out how, check this link. Please update your name with a valid, realistic name, according to our guidelines, if you wish to continue with the application process. Once you have found your player ID, please update your application with the proper PID, and post a reply in the topic in order to make the recruiters aware of the update. We will process this application as soon as possible. Respectfully submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Mr. Lowery, Application accepted. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation with the 160th SOAR. You will be attached to the Bataillion Commander LTC Brueske or a subordinate of his choosing and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for Flight School. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Warrant Officer Candidate. Respectfully Submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Age: 19 First Name: Mike Last Name: Mike Discord Username: skeksbigbosa Steam Profile Link: https://steamcommunity.com/id/WokkonEm/ ArmA III Player ID: Never played, but own game Desired Duty Assignment: sarc How Long have you been playing ArmA III: 0 hours, lots of time in Arma Reforger and Unit experience. Are you currently a member of an ArmA III gaming clan or unit?: No Do you own or, during the next time they are on sale, will you own the Arma 3 Apex and Contact DLCs? (Requirement) Yes Availability (Sunday/Saturday/Both): Sundays and Some Saturdays How did you find out about our unit? Arma Discord Recruitment If you were recruited by one of our members, who was it? Why do you want to join the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion? I love Arma Reforger but the platform makes me want to gouge my eyes out, looking for a more refined experience. Do you understand the definition of realism gaming according to the 3d MRB and willing to abide by this game style? Yes Do you understand this unit is EST(GMT -5) time zoned based. Operations take place on Saturday at 1800 EST and Sunday at 2000 EST. Yes

Player ID: 76561199218825655 Steam profile link: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199218825655/

Mr. Lowery, Before we can process this application, it is required to provide a valid Steam Profile Link. This can be found at the top of your steam program by clicking on (your steam username), going down to profile then copy and paste the URL located under the tabs (Store, Library, Community, (your steam name here)). It is also required to provide a valid ARMA 3 Player ID. To find out how, check this link. Once you have found your player ID and Steam Profile Link, please update your application with both, and post a reply in the topic in order to make the recruiters aware of the update. We will process this application as soon as possible. Respectfully Submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Age: 18 First Name: Mike Last Name: Lowery Discord Username: JustLowery Steam Profile Link: ArmA III Player ID: Desired Duty Assignment: Rotary wing aviation How Long have you been playing ArmA III: 2000 hours Are you currently a member of an ArmA III gaming clan or unit?: No Do you own or, during the next time they are on sale, will you own the Arma 3 Apex and Contact DLCs? (Requirement) Yes Availability (Sunday/Saturday/Both): Both How did you find out about our unit? Reddit If you were recruited by one of our members, who was it? N/A Why do you want to join the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion? Looking for a tight-knit and realistic Arma 3 unit to get my fix. Do you understand the definition of realism gaming according to the 3d MRB and willing to abide by this game style? Yes Do you understand this unit is EST(GMT -5) time zoned based. Operations take place on Saturday at 1800 EST and Sunday at 2000 EST. Yes

Mr. Danger We appreciate your application to the 3d MRB Realism Unit but, as our application message states, it is required to provide a realistic name, so we are unable to process your application at this time. Please update your name with a valid, realistic name according to our guidelines, if you wish to continue with the application process. Respectfully submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Age: 18 First Name: William Last Name: Danger Discord Username: FateTheTitan Steam Profile Link: https://steamcommunity.com/id/titanicdidntmakemecry/ ArmA III Player ID: 76561198176884955 Desired Duty Assignment: HM-8403 (Aviation if there are no available SARC billets) How Long have you been playing ArmA III: A little under 5000 thousand hours Are you currently a member of an ArmA III gaming clan or unit?: Not at this time Do you own or, during the next time they are on sale, will you own the Arma 3 Apex and Contact DLCs? (Requirement) I own both already Availability (Sunday/Saturday/Both): Saturdays pref but I am able to attend both days as needed How did you find out about our unit? r/findaunit If you were recruited by one of our members, who was it? N/A Why do you want to join the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion? I saw your guys' advertisement and had vague recollection of the unit looking neat and wanted to join because my schedule fits Do you understand the definition of realism gaming according to the 3d MRB and willing to abide by this game style? I am Do you understand this unit is EST(GMT -5) time zoned based. Operations take place on Saturday at 1800 EST and Sunday at 2000 EST. I understand

Transcript Call start: 19:24:31 Local Time Caller: Uzbin Hydroelectric plant, overseers office, emergency line Receiver: Operator 044, Royal Gendarmerie station Uzbin Operator: 117 Royal Gendarmerie, what is the situation? Caller: *Muffled sounds of gunfire* Yes Hello Im *Unintelligible, more muffled sounds of gunfire* Overseer of the Uzbin Hydro *Unintelligible* Under attack *Unintelligible* guardposts overrun and armed men are rounding up my workers *Unintelligible, muffled explosion* Send help, police, army, anyth… *Call disconnected* Transcript Call start: 19:26:12 Local Time Caller: Operator 044, Royal Gendarmerie station Uzbin Receiver: Uzbin Regional Royal Gendarmerie Commander’s office, Emergency line. Receiver: Yes!? Caller: 044 reporting, Red River, Red River, Red River Reciever: Understood *Call disconnected* Transcript Call start: 19:27:02 Local Time Caller: Uzbin Regional Royal Gendarmerie Commander’s office, Emergency line. Receiver: Special purpose contact “ROUNDTABLE” *REDACTED* *Call disconnected*

Mr. Miller, Application accepted. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation with the 160th SOAR. You will be attached to the Bataillion Commander LTC Brueske or a subordinate of his choosing and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for Flight School. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Warrant Officer Candidate. Respectfully Submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

First Name: Jim Last Name: Miller

Mr. Bob We appreciate your application to the 3d MRB Realism Unit but, as our application message states, it is required to provide a realistic name, so we are unable to process your application at this time. Please update your name with a valid, realistic name according to our guidelines, if you wish to continue with the application process. Respectfully submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Age: 20 First Name: Jim Last Name: Bob Discord Username: yesiexist123245 Steam Profile Link:https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561199249749039/ ArmA III Player ID: 76561199249749039 Desired Duty Assignment: 160th Soar How Long have you been playing ArmA III: About a year now Are you currently a member of an ArmA III gaming clan or unit?: No Do you own or, during the next time they are on sale, will you own the Arma 3 Apex and Contact DLCs? (Requirement) I will own them as soon as I get the money Availability (Sunday/Saturday/Both): Usually Both How did you find out about our unit? Reddit If you were recruited by one of our members, who was it? N/A Why do you want to join the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion? I would like to get back into arma 3 I used to be apart of a unit before I left because I didn't have to for it anymore. Do you understand the definition of realism gaming according to the 3d MRB and willing to abide by this game style? Yes Do you understand this unit is EST(GMT -5) time zoned based. Operations take place on Saturday at 1800 EST and Sunday at 2000 EST. Yes

WARNING ORDER MSOT 8313 Hades SITUATION: Legion is currently securing the C-130 Crash Site but has located additional hostile forces to their North on ISR. 160th SOAR has also reported multiple missile launches from this area. Hades is tasked with moving in and clearing the source of these launches and investigating the area for any possible Polisario Caches. ENEMY: The main OPFOR in this AO are Polisario Front forces. This insurgent group has made extensive use of hit-and-run tactics, as well as ditching equipment and attempting to blend in with the civilian populace. Force size, equipment, and exact tactics are unknown at this time. FRIENDLY: 16th Mechanized Brigade, Royal Moroccan Army Royal Moroccan Air Force Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie MISSION: MSOT 8313 will Investigate Polisario Forces at the town IVO 040,157 as reported during Legions Operation. 160th SOAR will Support MSOT 8313 Be ready for possible further tasking COMMANDERS INTENT: Investigate reported enemy forces in the area indicated by the C-130's Voice Recorder and 160th SOAR ISR. RECONNAISSANCE: 160th SOAR "Rook" is currently over-top of the area and providing live ISR. Reconnaissance has spotted at least one to two Squads of armed individuals along with what appears to be an M163 Vulcan Mounted on an offroad truck. Exact positions to follow shortly. 8313 AO WEATHER: Clear 06JUL25 IU 1900 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT N/A SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS N/A Code Words SHATTER: Sending station is combat ineffective. HAVOC: Comms compromised, scramble comms. END WARNING ORDER

Mr. Connors, Application accepted. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation for the team you wish to join. You will be attached to the headquarters element and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for A&S Phase 2 where any tactical deficiencies will be corrected. If you have prior Military or MilSim experience and are found to be tactically proficient in the required areas, you will skip the second phase of A&S. If the Team HQ feels you are a good fit, you will then be selected and will complete your training with your new team. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Private. Respectfully Submitted, HN Rhoades S-1 Personnel Detachment

Age: 23 First Name: Matthew Last Name: Connors Discord Username: numbskull2001 Steam Profile Link: https://steamcommunity.com/id/111020011045/ ArmA III Player ID: 76561198287753546 Desired Duty Assignment: 0372 CSO How Long have you been playing ArmA III: Since 2018. I have about 1,180 hours Are you currently a member of an ArmA III gaming clan or unit?: No Do you own or, during the next time they are on sale, will you own the Arma 3 Apex and Contact DLCs? (Requirement): Yes Availability (Sunday/Saturday/Both): Both How did you find out about our unit?: ArmA 3 Discord If you were recruited by one of our members, who was it?: Sergeant Wood Why do you want to join the 3rd Marine Raider Battalion?: Been out of ArmA 3 for a while, and now that I have some stability, I wanted to find a good community that knows what they're doing. I never was one for the Ranger units, nor am I into Halo or Star Wars. I have a lot of good memories in this game, and hopefully I can get a few more here in this unit. Do you understand the definition of realism gaming according to the 3d MRB and willing to abide by this game style?: Yes, I do Do you understand this unit is EST(GMT -5) time zoned based. Operations take place on Saturday at 1800 EST and Sunday at 2000 EST.: Yes, I do.

Mr. Cinch, Application accepted. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation for the team you wish to join. You will be attached to the headquarters element and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for A&S Phase 2 where any tactical deficiencies will be corrected. If you have prior Military or MilSim experience and are found to be tactically proficient in the required areas, you will skip the second phase of A&S. If the Team HQ feels you are a good fit, you will then be selected and will complete your training with your new team. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Private. Respectfully Submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Mr. Wolf, Application accepted. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation for the team you wish to join. You will be attached to the headquarters element and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for A&S Phase 2 where any tactical deficiencies will be corrected. If you have prior Military or MilSim experience and are found to be tactically proficient in the required areas, you will skip the second phase of A&S. If the Team HQ feels you are a good fit, you will then be selected and will complete your training with your new team. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Private. Respectfully Submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Mr. Palmer, Application accepted. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation for the team you wish to join. You will be attached to the headquarters element and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for A&S Phase 2 where any tactical deficiencies will be corrected. If you have prior Military or MilSim experience and are found to be tactically proficient in the required areas, you will skip the second phase of A&S. If the Team HQ feels you are a good fit, you will then be selected and will complete your training with your new team. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Private. Respectfully Submitted, SSgt Waller S-1 Personnel Detachment

Mr Jackson, Your application has been accepted and you have been processed as 0372 Critical Skills Operator. Within the next hour, you will receive new forum permissions which will grant you access to the Welcome Aboard section where there are instructions to get you set up with our modpack. Your next step is to report for In-Processing. This verifies that you can connect to our server and prepares you for attending your first operation with a team. If your mods are installed correctly, it should only take about 20 minutes. You will then begin Assessment & Selection by attending the next available Operation for the team you wish to join. You will be attached to the headquarters element and will be guided through the operation by them. After completing the operation you will report for A&S Phase 2 where any tactical deficiencies will be corrected. If you have prior Military or MilSim experience and are found to be tactically proficient in the required areas, you will skip the second phase of A&S. If the Team HQ feels you are a good fit, you will then be selected and will complete your training with your new team. In Summary: Step 1. Review Welcome Aboard message and follow the Instructions. Step 2. Report for In-Processing. Thank you and once again, welcome, Hospitalman Recruit. Respectfully Submitted, HMC (FMF) Roe S-1 Chief