Mali Govt Launches Official Investigation After Algeria Shoots Down Malian Drone

The Malian government has launched a formal investigation into the destruction of one of its military drones in the Kidal region, in what is being described as a grave national security incident.

The drone, bearing the registration number TZ_98D, was reportedly shot down in the early hours of April 1, 2025, near Tinzaouatène, in the Abeibara district. The Malian Armed Forces confirmed the incident, which has since triggered a high-level judicial probe led by the Specialised Judicial Unit for the Fight Against Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime.

In a statement released by the Prosecutor’s Office, authorities revealed that the investigation is exploring a range of serious charges, including criminal conspiracy, terrorism, financing of terrorism, illegal possession of military-grade weapons, and complicity. According to officials, the goal is to identify and prosecute all those responsible—whether direct perpetrators, co-conspirators, or facilitators.

What makes this case particularly sensitive is the implicit accusation that elements within Algeria may have played a role in the attack. While the Malian government has not issued a direct accusation, the language used in official communications points to a possible involvement of actors tied to the Algerian state. This development could further strain relations between the two countries.

The probe follows a coordinated announcement by Mali’s transitional government and the leadership of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), which includes Burkina Faso and Niger. The CSS bloc has strongly condemned the attack, framing it as part of a broader campaign to destabilise the region and undermine sovereign military operations.

Recall that a report by AESInfo noted that the drone was reportedly tracking Iyad Ag Ghali, a top JNIM terrorist leader wanted by the International Criminal Court(ICC) for crimes against humanity and had been located near Tinzaouatène.

Mali suspects Algeria acted deliberately to protect Ag Ghali, citing past allegations of ties between him and Algerian intelligence. While Algeria claimed the drone violated its airspace, Mali questions the timing, noting similar drones have flown in the region without issue.

Algeria and Mali have since announced the closure of their airspace for flights to each other.

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