Algerian authorities expelled two French intelligence agents on Sunday, accusing them of entering the country with "fake diplomatic passports," escalating tensions between the two nations.

According to Algeria International TV, the two agents, who worked under the French Interior Ministry’s Directorate of Internal Security, failed to follow proper legal procedures when entering Algerian territory. The state-run news channel referred to the incident as a “maneuver” orchestrated by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.

There has been no official comment from French authorities regarding the expulsions as of yet.

This expulsion comes just weeks after Algeria expelled 12 French embassy staff members in early April, following the arrest of an Algerian consular employee in Paris. The employee was allegedly involved in the kidnapping of an Algerian opposition influencer, a case that led to heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In response, France expelled 12 Algerian diplomats and recalled its ambassador in Algiers for consultations.

The diplomatic row has followed a brief period of warming relations, sparked by a phone call between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and French President Emmanuel Macron in late March. Additionally, French Minister of State for Europe Jean-Noel Barrot visited Algiers on April 6, during which both countries agreed to resume bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Despite these efforts, relations between Algeria and France remain strained, largely due to historical grievances stemming from France’s colonization of Algeria, which lasted from 1830 to 1962.

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