Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have withdrawn their ambassadors from Algeria, accusing it of downing a Malian drone. This action followed Algeria’s confirmation of intercepting a drone in its airspace. Mali condemned the incident as an act of aggression. Algeria has responded by closing its airspace to Malian flights due to repeated violations.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have jointly announced the withdrawal of their ambassadors from Algeria, citing accusations against Algerian forces for the downing of a Malian drone. This decision stems from an incident in late March, in which Mali asserted that Algeria shot down its drone. Algeria confirmed on April 1 that it had intercepted an armed reconnaissance drone in its airspace but did not provide further details.

The foreign ministry of Mali stated unequivocally that its investigations indicated the drone was downed in a “hostile premeditated action by the Algerian regime.” The wreckage of the drone was reportedly discovered 9.5 kilometers south of the Algerian border, and it is believed to have been shot down using a missile from ground or air. Mali condemned this act as an “unprecedented aggression,” expressing strong disapproval of Algeria’s actions.

Furthermore, Algeria has not commented regarding the withdrawal of ambassadors but has implemented the closure of its airspace to flights to and from Mali. The Algerian defense ministry cited repeated violations of its airspace by Mali as the reason for this decision, which is effective immediately, as stated in a recent announcement.

In conclusion, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have jointly withdrawn their ambassadors from Algeria, following accusations that Algeria shot down a Malian drone. This situation escalated tensions between the nations, with Mali denouncing Algeria’s actions as an aggression. Algeria’s counter-move of closing its airspace to Malian flights further complicates diplomatic relations in the region.

Original Source: dailytrust.com