Algeria shot down a military drone near its border with Mali amidst rising tensions between the two countries. This incident highlights Algeria’s strict policies regarding airspace use, reflecting frustrations stemming from Mali’s political changes and military alliances. The situation involves broader regional stability issues, with Algeria expressing concerns about Mali’s collaboration with Russian forces.
On Tuesday, Algeria reported the downing of a military drone near its border with Mali, marking the first incident of this nature amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The Algerian army revealed that the armed reconnaissance drone entered its airspace on Monday, near Tin Zaouatine, a town known for its Tuareg separatist presence against the Malian government. Although Mali recognized that one of its drones had crashed in the area, it refrained from confirming whether it was shot down by Algerian forces.
Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel expert at the Policy Center for the New South, indicated that the act of shooting down the drone instead of issuing a warning highlights the growing frustrations between the two nations. He remarked that this incident illustrates Algeria’s strict stance against the use of its airspace by Malian military forces.
The tensions between Algeria and Mali have been escalating, particularly since the military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, which have altered the political landscape. While Algeria previously played a mediating role in the conflict between Mali’s government and Tuareg rebels, the relationship has deteriorated, especially as Algeria criticizes Mali’s approach toward reducing rebellion in the north.
Concerns about potential spillover conflict have prompted Algeria to denounce Mali’s collaborations with Russian mercenaries and the deployment of armed drones close to their border. With the instability in northern Mali leading to government collapses and violence, Mali’s Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga addressed these challenges at the United Nations General Assembly last year, pledging prompt action against northern rebellions.
Algeria maintains one of the largest militaries in Africa and perceives itself as a regional power, but it faces a shift in alliances as military leaders in Mali and Niger forge new relationships, particularly with Russia. Algeria did not disclose ownership of the intercepted drone. Meanwhile, a Mali army spokesperson acknowledged the crash but stated there were no casualties or property damage.
The downing of a drone by Algeria near its border with Mali represents a significant escalation in the already strained relations between the two countries. This incident underscores Algeria’s commitment to protecting its airspace and reflects deeper frustrations amid changing political dynamics and military alignments in the region. Algeria’s historical role as a mediator is diminishing, as tensions rise in response to Mali’s alliances and military actions.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
