Two Moroccan tourists were reportedly shot dead by Algerian authorities after unintentionally venturing into Algerian waters on jet skis, Thursday, August 31.
The incident occurred near the beach resort of Saïdia when a group of friends lost their way.
Mohamed Kissi, one of the survivors, revealed to Moroccan media that the group realized they had strayed into Algerian territory when they were approached by a speedboat with military, clearly showing the word “Algeria” on its side. He said the armed men immediately fired on the group.
Kissi’s brother, Bilal, 29, father to two daughters, was killed in the incident alongside Abdelali Merchouer.
Both victims held dual French-Moroccan nationality.
A third person, Smail Snabe, also with French-Moroccan citizenship, was arrested by the Algerian Coast Guard and presented before legal authorities. Mohamed Kissi was rescued by the Moroccan navy and returned to Saïdia marina after their jet skis ran out of fuel.
The French foreign ministry confirmed the incident.
Tensions between Algeria and Morocco have been escalating, with the border being shut since 1994 and diplomatic ties cut off in 2021.