Mali recalls its ambassador to Algeria

Mali recalled its ambassador to Algeria after accusing the latter of "interfering in its internal affairs and meeting with Algerian officials with Tuareg rebels," which deepens tension between the two neighboring countries.

Mali's military junta said it had summoned Ambassador Mahamane Amadou Maiga from Algeria "for consultations with immediate effect," according to a letter from the Mali embassy to the Algerian Foreign Ministry.

Algeria has been the main mediator in peace efforts between Mali and Tuareg rebels, whose separatist campaign in the north of the country has led to armed conflict for more than a decade.

In 2012, the Tuareg expelled the Malian army from a city, which led to a series of events that destabilized the country.

Algeria played a key role in concluding the peace agreement in 2015 between the government and the rebels in Mali, an agreement that collapsed after the two parties accused each other of failing to adhere to it.

Mali recently summoned its chief Algerian diplomat  "to express its strong protest against the recent unfriendly actions of the Algerian authorities under the guise of the peace process in Mali."

“These actions constitute interference in Mali’s internal affairs,” the Malian Information and Press Office said, urging Algeria to “give priority to dialogue with the Malian authorities.”

In response, Algeria summoned its chief Malian diplomat and urged “Mali to join the efforts currently being made by Algeria to give the agreement new momentum,” according to a statement by the Algerian Foreign Ministry.

Algeria defended the meetings with rebel leaders, explaining that they "fit perfectly" with Algeria's efforts to support the agreement and help bring peace to Mali.

The conflict between the two countries could threaten peace efforts in Mali, where new clashes have erupted between the military government and Tuareg rebels in recent months.

Observers warn that the developments may lead to more violence in a region threatened by fighters linked to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, as French forces and international peacekeeping forces have withdrawn from Mali in recent months.

Agencies: A fire broke out on a ship after a drone attack in the Indian Ocean

Today, Saturday, a commercial ship was attacked by a drone in the Indian Ocean, causing damage but causing no casualties, according to two maritime agencies.

The British Maritime Trade Operations Agency confirmed that the attack led to a fire breaking out on board the ship, while the Embrey Maritime Security Company indicated that the ship was flying the Liberian flag but was “linked to Israel.”

Earlier this week, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the launch of an international coalition of a multinational force to protect shipping traffic in the Red Sea, following  Houthi attacks  on ships heading to Israel.

The force, which will operate under the name “Guardian of Prosperity,” includes Britain, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles,  Spain and  Denmark .

Austin said that the main task of the operation will be to solve security problems in the southern part of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in order to ensure freedom of navigation.