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Why two tourists on jet skis were shot dead off the coast of Algeria

The Algerian coastguard has shot dead two tourists holidaying in Morocco who reportedly strayed into Algerian waters on their jet skis.

They were among four French-Moroccan dual nationals who had set off from the Moroccan resort of Saidia. A third member of the group was arrested by the coastguard patrolling the two states' closed border.

The two nations have a long history of tension, tied to Morocco's claims to the disputed Western Sahara.

The border between them was closed in 1994, with Algiers severing ties two years ago. It accused Morocco of hostile acts - an allegation rejected by Rabat.

The shooting sparked anger in Morocco after a fisherman posted footage of a lifeless body floating in the sea.

Newshour's Rebecca Kesby has been speaking to Ricardo Fabiani. He's project director of North Africa at the International Crisis Group.

(Photo shows: A man on a jet ski. Credit: Getty Images)

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