Algeria downed a military drone near its border with Mali, marking the first such incident amid rising tensions. The Algerian army stated the drone entered its airspace near Tin Zaouatine, while Mali’s forces acknowledged the crash without confirming a shoot-down. Experts indicate this reflects Algeria’s frustrations with Mali’s military actions and challenges following recent political upheaval in Mali.
On Tuesday, Algeria reported the downing of a military drone near its border with Mali, representing the first incident of its kind amidst escalating tensions between the two nations. The Algerian army stated that the armed reconnaissance drone had entered its airspace near Tin Zaouatine, a town known for its Tuareg separatist presence. While Mali’s army acknowledged the drone’s crash, they did not confirm whether it had been shot down by Algeria.
Rida Lyammouri, an expert at the Policy Center for the New South, noted that Algeria’s decision to shoot down the drone, instead of issuing a warning, indicates heightened frustrations. He stated that this action reflects significant tensions between Algeria and Mali, highlighting Algeria’s zero tolerance for the use of its airspace by Malian forces.
The drone incident occurs during a time of increasing strife between Algeria and its southern neighbors, particularly Mali. Algeria previously acted as a mediator during prolonged conflicts between Mali’s government and Tuareg rebels, but relations have deteriorated following military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, which resulted in the appointment of military leaders to key government roles.
Algeria has criticized Mali’s current government’s approach, particularly its intensified efforts to suppress rebellion in northern regions. Cognizant of the risk of conflict spilling into its territory, Algeria has condemned Mali’s use of Russian mercenaries and armed drones in the vicinity of Tin Zaouatine. The failure to stabilize northern Mali has historically precipitated government collapses, and Mali’s Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga has pledged decisive actions against violence in that region.
As one of Africa’s foremost military powers, Algeria has traditionally positioned itself as a regional leader. However, the military leadership of Mali and Niger has sought greater independence and is cultivating alliances, including with Russia. Notably, Algeria did not identify the ownership of the disputed drone. A spokesperson for Mali’s army refrained from commenting on the allegations, asserting that the drone crash did not cause harm or damage to property. Unverified social media footage purportedly depicted an Akinci drone, manufactured by Baykar, which is used by Mali against separatists and extremist groups.
The incident of Algeria shooting down a drone near its border with Mali underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations. As both countries navigate their complex histories and regional dynamics, the downing of the drone reflects Algeria’s firm stance against perceived transgressions of its airspace. This development highlights the broader geopolitical implications of military alliances and security challenges in the Sahel region.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
