France Says It Will Expel 12 Algerian Officials as Tensions Rise

Tensions between France and Algeria, never far from the surface, flared as the two countries engaged in tit-for-tat expulsions of officials working at each of their embassies and consulates.

In response to Algeria’s decision of Monday to expel 12 officials working at the French embassy and consulates, the French presidency announced on Tuesday that it would “symmetrically” proceed with the expulsion of 12 consular and diplomatic “Algerian agents.”

“The Algerian authorities are responsible for this brutal deterioration of our bilateral relations,” it said.