On 12 February 1976 the Moroccan army occupied Al Mahbes , a community 50 kilometres ( 31 mi ) from the Algerian border that commanded the route to Tindouf .
While this diplomacy was continuing , Morocco and Mauritania were completing their occupation of the territory .
On 12 February 1976 the Morocco army occupied Al Mahbes , a community 50 kilometres ( 31 mi ) from the Algerian border that commanded the route to Tindouf .
While this diplomacy was continuing , Morocco and Mauritania were completing their occupation of the territory .