Malian authorities have opened a judicial investigation following the reported destruction of one of their drones near the border town of Tinzaouatene, allegedly by the Algerian military.
The announcement was made by Amadou Bocar Touré, Public Prosecutor of the Specialized Judicial Unit for the Fight Against Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime, in a press release dated Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
According to the statement, the investigation will focus on suspected acts of criminal association, terrorism, financing of terrorism, illegal possession of military-grade weapons and ammunition, as well as complicity in these offenses.
Magistrate Touré emphasized that the probe seeks to “identify and apprehend the perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices” involved in the incident. He urged the public to assist authorities by providing any relevant information.
The incident has further strained diplomatic relations between Mali and Algeria. In response, both countries have closed their airspace to all civilian and military aircraft and suspended other diplomatic engagements.
