Tensions between Algeria and Morocco focus on the disputed Western Sahara region. The report, which covers the years 1999 and 2000, bases its assertions on the Washington-based Center for Strategic International Studies. The Moroccan report said Algeria is secretly building a nuclear reactor in Ein Usra, far from any residential area. The Algerian effort is reportedly being conducted under the guise of a nuclear power project. It is not clear what systems Algeria is deploying in this project.
Morocco is believed to have an edge in conventional forces, despite a much larger Algerian military.
Algeria operates a nuclear research reactor from Argentina and a second facility supplied from China. The two facilities are subject to inspections by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency.