Overview

• Algeria has ordered twelve French diplomats to leave its territory within 48 hours, marking a significant escalation in tensions with France.
• The expulsions come in response to the arrest of three Algerian citizens in France, accused of attempting to abduct a government critic.
• Among those arrested is reportedly an employee of the Algerian consulate in Créteil, near Paris, adding complexity to the dispute.
• French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has warned Algeria that France will respond immediately if the expulsions proceed.
• This is the first expulsion of French diplomats by Algeria since its independence in 1962, disrupting recent efforts to normalize relations between the two nations.