Algerian FM Defends ‘Sovereign’ Decision to Close Airspace to France

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra gestures as he reads a statement from the country's president in Algiers on Aug.24, 2021. (AP)
Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra gestures as he reads a statement from the country's president in Algiers on Aug.24, 2021. (AP)
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Algerian FM Defends ‘Sovereign’ Decision to Close Airspace to France

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra gestures as he reads a statement from the country's president in Algiers on Aug.24, 2021. (AP)
Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra gestures as he reads a statement from the country's president in Algiers on Aug.24, 2021. (AP)

Algeria defended on Saturday its “sovereign” decision to close its airspace to French military planes.

Algeria does not practice megaphone diplomacy, stressed Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, noting that it works quietly and records its positions through diplomatic channels, reported the German news agency (dpa).

Algiers rejects any foreign intervention in its internal affairs, especially if this intervention is by a former colonizer, he told Russia’s RT Arabic channel, adding that the country’s ambassador in Paris is still in Algeria for consultations.

The FM underscored the historic ties and strategic agreement Algeria enjoys with Russia, adding that both countries regularly carry out consultations on African issues.

Commenting on the developments in Libya, Lamamra said Libyans have taken the initiative to control the fate of their country.

He expected the Libyan presidential and parliamentary elections to be held on time in December once organizational preparations are complete.

The FM further urged Libyan authorities to exert greater efforts to disarm militias so that they can protect their country’s sovereignty.

He cited the Berlin Conference that called for all foreign forces and mercenaries to withdraw from the country.

The withdrawal must not take place at the expense of the security and stability of the region and neighboring countries, Lamamra urged.



US Campaign Against Houthis Expected to Expand

A US fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman to strike Houthis (AP)
A US fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman to strike Houthis (AP)
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US Campaign Against Houthis Expected to Expand

A US fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman to strike Houthis (AP)
A US fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman to strike Houthis (AP)

The US campaign against the Houthis, launched by President Donald Trump, entered its third week with new airstrikes targeting the group’s strongholds.

Late Tuesday into Wednesday, the strikes hit Houthi positions in Saada province in the north, Hajjah province, and extended to the coastal governorate of Hodeidah along the Red Sea.

This comes amid growing anticipation of expanded operations, following the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier to the region.

While the Houthis claimed to have targeted US forces in the northern Red Sea with drones and missiles, a Yemeni minister revealed widespread panic among the group's leaders.

He noted that they had begun selling off properties and smuggling their families out via Sana’a airport.

Trump ordered the campaign against the Houthis on March 15, aiming to force the group to halt threats to maritime security.

He vowed to use “deadly force” and “eliminate them entirely” after the Houthis escalated attacks following the collapse of the second phase of the Gaza truce between Israel and Hamas.

Houthi media reported that airstrikes targeted the al-Mansuriyah district in Hodeidah, claiming they hit a water project and killed four civilians. The group also acknowledged that eastern Saada city was struck by five air raids.

The US campaign is expected to expand in the coming days after Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to the Middle East.

It will join the Harry S. Truman, which is currently leading strikes against the Houthis.

With the group remaining tight-lipped about its military losses, including equipment and senior figures, the full impact of the US offensive on its capabilities remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the Houthis’ defense minister claimed they were prepared for a “long-term confrontation.”

The Houthis joined the regional escalation following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, launching around 200 missiles and drones toward Israel.

However, the attacks had little military impact, with the only reported fatality occurring in Tel Aviv in June.