Violent unrest has swept across Morocco, leaving 263 security personnel and 23 civilians injured, according to the Interior Ministry. The clashes, which erupted Tuesday night, spread rapidly to multiple cities.

The violence began in Agadir, where protests over poor hospital conditions escalated into nationwide demonstrations. By Wednesday night, anger had reached Salé, near Rabat, where youths hurled stones at police, looted shops, set banks ablaze, and torched police vehicles.

Similar scenes unfolded in Tangier, where crowds attacked security forces, while towns in the Souss region witnessed the heaviest turmoil for a second straight night. In Sidi Bibi, masked demonstrators set fire to the governor's office and blocked a main road.

Chants of“The people demand an end to corruption” echoed through several cities, with protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Analysts said the unrest reflects growing frustration over corruption, unemployment, and inadequate public services.

Officials stressed that Morocco has previously experienced peaceful protests, but described this week's violence as the most serious since the Rif region demonstrations of 2016–2017. The Interior Ministry pledged to safeguard the right to protest legally and vowed to act with restraint.

Authorities confirmed that 409 people have been detained, with 193 facing charges of arson, destruction of property, and attacks on security forces. Many were released on bail pending trial.

The unrest underscores deepening anger among Moroccan youth and mounting pressure on the government to deliver meaningful reforms. Without urgent measures, observers warn, the crisis could fuel wider instability.

The challenge for Morocco's leadership now lies in balancing security with credible reforms that address citizens' grievances while preventing further escalation of unrest.

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