Algerian Army Downs Armed Reconnaissance Drone Over National Airspace
Amid rising regional tensions, Algeria intercepts a drone violating its airspace as conflict escalates in northern Mali.
Watan-The Algerian Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that an air defense unit had shot down an armed drone that violated national airspace near the border with Mali.
In a statement, the ministry said the drone was detected and brought down near the Tin Zaouatine area in the country’s Sixth Military Region after it had penetrated two kilometers into Algerian airspace.
The ministry emphasized that “this operation highlights the high level of vigilance and constant readiness of the People’s National Army in defending our country’s sovereignty.”
Rising Tensions as Mali Conflict Spills Toward Algerian Border
The origin of the drone has not yet been identified.
This development comes amid rising regional tensions, particularly after Mali’s military authorities announced in January 2024 their withdrawal from the 2015 Algiers Peace Agreement signed with the Azawad (Tuareg) movements in the north of the country.
Since then, Malian forces—supported by the Russian Wagner militia—have launched repeated attacks on rebel strongholds in the north, resulting in waves of displacement toward the Algerian border.
The escalation of conflict has strained relations between Algiers and Bamako. Algeria, which mediated the peace deal, has repeatedly rejected any military solution and has urged Malian authorities to resume dialogue with the Azawad forces to reach a peaceful resolution.
