The Algerian coastguard has fatally shot two tourists who had been on vacation in Morocco, reportedly riding jet skis that had inadvertently strayed into Algerian waters. The victims were among four individuals holding French-Moroccan dual nationality who had set out from the Moroccan resort of Saidia.
A third member of the group was apprehended by the Algerian coastguard, which patrols the border between the two nations. Algeria and Morocco share a lengthy history of tensions, stemming from their ongoing dispute over Western Sahara. The border between them was closed in 1994 due to security concerns, and Algiers severed diplomatic ties with Rabat two years ago, alleging hostile actions—a charge that Morocco rejected.
The shooting incident sparked outrage in Morocco after a fisherman shared footage of a lifeless body floating in the sea. Mohamed Kissi, the only survivor of the quartet, revealed that the group had become lost and had run out of fuel, inadvertently entering Algerian waters.
Kissi reported that they recognized their presence in Algeria when an Algerian dinghy approached them. Tragically, the coastguard on board opened fire, resulting in the death of Kissi’s brother, Bilal, and their friend. He denied that the group attempted to flee and claimed that his brother had tried to communicate with the officials before being shot.
In the aftermath, Mr. Kissi attempted to swim back to Saidia and was eventually rescued by the Moroccan navy. Abdelkarim Kissi, his cousin and an actor, urged Moroccan authorities to escalate the case to international courts. He expressed grief and highlighted the innocence of his cousin and friends, emphasizing that they were on vacation.
The second victim of the shooting was identified as Abdelali Merchouer, and his body remains in Algeria. Meanwhile, the man arrested by the Algerian coastguard, identified as Smail Snabe, appeared before a prosecutor without detailed information provided.
Moroccan government officials declined to comment on the incident, stating that it was a matter for the judiciary. Algeria has not yet issued a public statement regarding the shooting.
Algeria and Morocco share a nearly 2,000-kilometer (1,242-mile) border, which has been a source of tension since their independence from French colonial rule. The border was closed in 1994 due to security concerns following a terrorist attack on a hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco.
