Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have withdrawn their ambassadors from Algeria, accusing it of shooting down a Malian drone. Algeria confirms intercepting the drone but provides no further details. Mali condemns the act as a hostile aggression, while Algeria closes its airspace to Mali due to violations. The situation indicates rising diplomatic tensions in the region.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have jointly declared the withdrawal of their ambassadors from Algeria, which they accuse of shooting down a Malian drone. This decision follows Mali’s assertion that Algerian forces targeted one of its drones in late March.
On April 1, Algeria confirmed that it had intercepted an armed reconnaissance drone within its airspace but did not provide additional information. In response, Mali’s foreign ministry condemned the action, claiming the drone was downed through deliberate aggression by Algeria.
Mali’s statement indicated that the wreckage was discovered approximately 9.5 kilometers south of the Algerian border, asserting it was brought down by a missile system. The situation has been described by Mali as an “unprecedented act of aggression” and has drawn strong condemnation from its officials.
In light of these developments, Algeria has closed its airspace to all aircraft traveling to or from Mali due to continued airspace violations by the Malian government. This closure was announced by the Algerian defense ministry, effective immediately.
The tensions between Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Algeria have escalated following the alleged shooting down of a Malian drone. The withdrawal of ambassadors signifies growing diplomatic strains and confrontations in this regional security matter. While Algeria defends its actions citing national security, Mali strongly condemns these measures as aggressive, which could lead to further complications in diplomatic relations in the region.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
