France offers help to Algeria to battle wildfires

French President Emmanuel Macron has offered France’s “support” to Algeria as it battles forest fires that have killed at least 12 people, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said following a Cabinet meeting.

The wildfires swept through several eastern wilayas most severely impacting the province of Jijel causing at least 12 deaths, widespread injuries, and scorching vast areas across a 100-kilometer stretch from Ziama Mansouriah to El Milia.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared a three-day period of national mourning with flags flown at half-mast. President Tebboune cited suspected criminal activity, noting that fires broke out simultaneously in multiple locations late at night despite calm wind conditions.