Morocco opens investigation into killing of 2 nationals in Algerian waters

By Khalid Mejdoup and Zeynep Tufekci Gulay

RABAT, Morocco (AA) - Moroccan authorities opened an investigation into the killing of two of its nationals in Algerian territorial waters, media reports said Friday.

Citing a judicial official, Morocco's official MAP news agency reported that prosecutors in Oujda, a city bordering Algeria, opened an investigation into killings that involved five men on jet skis who lost their way at sea. Two of the men were shot and killed in Algerian territorial waters.

Moroccan media said two men lost their way Aug. 29 on a jet ski from the Saidia holiday resort and entered Algerian territorial waters. They were killed as a result of fire opened by the Algerian coast guard.

Media reports said one of the deceased was Bilal Kissi, 29, who also had French citizenship. The other was Abdelali Mechouar, 40.

Another Moroccan with French citizenship onboard the jet ski was detained in Algeria on charges of entering the country illegally.

The French Foreign Ministry announced that one of its citizens was killed and another citizen was detained in Algeria. The ministry noted that they were in contact with the Moroccan and Algerian authorities.

Algerian authorities have not yet commented on the developments.