Algeria has reportedly closed its airspace to an American military aircraft, according to Western media sources. The aircraft, coming from a NATO military base in Spanish territory, was en route to Israel.
The American newspaper “Cleveland” reported on Monday that Algeria “prohibited the passage of a U.S. C-17 Globemaster III aircraft over its airspace.”
The timing of this incident was not specified. The C-17 is known for its strategic rapid troop transport capabilities, tactical airlift missions, and medical evacuation. The newspaper notes the aircraft’s ability to “continuously supply all potential operating and combat bases.”
The Cleveland report further stated that the aircraft had departed from the U.S. base “Rota” in Cadiz Province, Southwest Spain.
This base covers an area of 2400 hectares and is home to approximately 8,000 U.S. military and civilian personnel and their families.
The newspaper highlighted that since the “Hamas” attack on Israel on October 7, the U.S. Air Force had been using Algerian airspace daily, without stopping at any Algerian airports, for flights between Rota base and the Middle East.
The publication also noted that the authorities in Algeria, the U.S., and Spain have “not confirmed the accuracy of the circulating information.”
It pointed out that “Algeria’s stance is in opposition to that of the United States, which objected to the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.”
Regarding the state of relations between Algeria and the United States, they are described as “good and balanced,” despite differences on several issues.
During his visit to Algeria last Friday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for North Africa, Joshua Harris, discussed various issues with the Algerian media, including differing views between the two countries on the Israeli aggression in Gaza.
In response to a question about whether America considers Algeria a true friend and partner, Harris said, “True partnership is built on honest perspectives.
We listen to Algeria’s views and benefit from them, but that doesn’t mean we always agree. Since October 7 in Israel and Gaza, there have been pressing issues, which are also an important part of our conversations with Algeria.
There’s much convergence on the need to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, ensuring the dire need for food, medicine, water, and fuel reaches the suffering Palestinians.
There’s also agreement on the urgency of the next political steps to look beyond the conflict, like practical steps necessary for achieving a Palestinian state, and the real conditions enabling Palestinians and Israelis to live together with equal standards of security, freedom, and prosperity.”
