New violence reported in Western Sahara

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — New clashes erupted in the Western Sahara between Moroccan security forces and local people seeking independence for the vast, resource-rich desert region, activists said.

People in the regional capital used rocks and sticks in street battles with Moroccan police conducting house-to-house searches on Tuesday, said Brahim Ahmed, an activist for the native Saharawi people.

"Every now and then you hear something, screams and everything," he said.

Violence exploded Monday after Moroccan forces using tear-gas and high-pressure water cannons tore down a tent camp set up by some 20,000 Saharawi outside of the territory's main city, Laayoune, to protest …