Algeria downs military drone suspected to belong to Mali

Algeria’s military announced on Tuesday that it had shot down an armed drone that entered its airspace near the Malian border town of Tin Zaouatine on Monday, the Associated Press reports.

The Malian government confirmed that one of its drones had crashed but did not specify who was responsible, while Algeria also refrained from identifying the drone’s origin.

This reportedly marks the first known incident of its kind between the two nations, which have been at odds since a military junta seized power in Mali in 2021. The junta has reportedly relied on Russian mercenaries and advanced military technology to suppress independence movements among the Tuareg people in northern Mali.

Previously a key mediator in regional disputes, Algeria has been openly critical of Mali’s leadership following the coup. Since the junta’s takeover, Islamic insurgents have expanded their influence in the Sahara region.

As one of Africa’s most formidable military powers, Algeria has historically viewed itself as a regional leader. However, military leaders in Mali and Niger have sought to assert their autonomy, forging new alliances, including with Russia and China.

The drone’s downing highlights growing tensions between Algeria and Mali.

“This incident underscores Algeria’s firm stance against any unauthorized use of its airspace and territory by Malian forces,” said Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel expert at the Morocco-based Policy Center for the New South, in a statement to the AP.