Algeria Closes Airspace to Mali Amid Diplomatic Escalation

Algeria has closed its airspace to all flights to and from Mali due to what it described as 'repeated violations' of its airspace, escalating tensions between the two countries. The closure follows the downing of a Malian drone, which Algeria claimed had violated its airspace, while Mali disputed this, stating the drone wreckage was found within its territory. This diplomatic rift has led Mali and its allies, Burkina Faso and Niger, to recall their ambassadors from Algeria, with Mali accusing Algeria of supporting terrorism. The joint statement from Mali and its allies condemned Algeria's actions as a hostile premeditated act, while Algeria dismissed these allegations as an attempt by Mali to deflect attention from its own issues. The situation highlights the fragile security environment in the Sahel region, where Mali is engaged in conflict with Tuareg separatists. Both nations' responses indicate a deteriorating relationship that could have broader regional implications.