13 protesters shot dead by Moroccan forces in Western Sahara

At least 13 people have been shot dead by the Moroccan security forces following a protest in Laayoune, the Capital of Western Sahara.

Anti-Moroccan Government protesters have been camping out in the city since last week. The protest camp was one of the largest seen in Western Sahara for over 20 years. The Moroccan authorities took action just hours before UN mediated talks were due to take place in New York.

Western Sahara is a partially recognised state. Previously a Spanish colony, it was annexed by Morocco following Spanish declonization in 1975. Most of the sparsely occupied territory is controlled by Morrocco, while the rest is controlled by a local rebel government. A UN brokered ceasefire has held since 1991. France has strongly supported Morroccan claims to the terrirotry while Algeria has backed the rebel government.