The Algerian government announced on Monday the closure of its airspace to Mali in response to what it described as repeated violations of its airspace.

This decision follows accusations from the Malian government that Algeria shot down one of its drones near the border, a claim that Algeria has strongly denied.

In an official statement, Algeria expressed its rejection of the Malian accusations, considering them attempts to divert attention from the security failures in Mali.

The Algerian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the decision takes effect immediately and includes all air traffic coming from or heading to Mali.

On Sunday, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso recalled their ambassadors from Algeria, accusing it of shooting down a drone belonging to the Bamako army near the shared border.