Algeria Downing of Drone Near Mali Border Highlights Escalating Tensions
Algeria downed a military drone near its border with Mali, highlighting growing tensions. The incident occurred near Tin Zaouatine, a Tuareg stronghold. Mali acknowledged the drone crash but did not confirm it was shot down. Experts express concerns about increasing frictions and military tensions following recent coups in Mali.
On Tuesday, Algeria reported that it downed a military drone near its border with Mali, marking a significant incident amid rising tensions between the two nations. The Algerian army disclosed that the armed reconnaissance drone had entered its airspace near the town of Tin Zaouatine, which is known for its Tuareg separatist presence. Mali’s military acknowledged that one of its drones crashed in the area but did not confirm that it was shot down by Algeria.
Rida Lyammouri, a Sahel expert at the Policy Center for the New South in Morocco, commented that the incident illustrates the escalating tensions, noting that Algeria’s choice to shoot down the drone instead of issuing a warning reflects its frustrations. He stated, “It confirms the serious tensions between the countries and unwillingness and zero tolerance by Algeria to allow the use of its airspace and territory by Malian forces.”
Historically, Algeria acted as a mediator during the prolonged conflict between Mali’s government and Tuareg rebels. However, the two nations have experienced a rift since military coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021. Algeria has expressed discontent with Mali’s new government and its measures to suppress unrest in northern Mali, as they are increasingly worried about the effects of instability spilling over their borders.
Algeria has publicly condemned Mali’s deployment of Russian mercenaries and the use of drones in areas near Tin Zaouatine. The deterioration of governance in Mali has resulted in previous government failures, leading Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga to address instability concerns at the United Nations General Assembly. Maiga promised decisive action against violence in northern regions.
Despite Algeria’s military strength, the military leaders in Mali and Niger have sought to assert their autonomy by forming new alliances, including ties with Russia. While Algeria did not reveal the ownership of the downed drone, Mali’s military shyed away from confirming the allegations, though they stated that the crash did not cause any harm or property damage. Unverified social media footage depicted a Baykar-produced Akinci drone believed to belong to Mali, which had acquired at least two of the drones last year for operations against separatists and terrorist groups.
In summary, Algeria’s downing of a military drone near its border with Mali has intensified existing tensions between the two nations, illustrating the deteriorating relationship since Mali’s recent military coups. The incident symbolizes Algeria’s zero tolerance for incursions into its airspace and its commitment to maintaining regional stability. As both countries navigate these complex dynamics, the potential for further conflict remains a concern, especially with Mali’s engagement of foreign mercenaries and drones in the region.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
