A Moroccan man has recounted a harrowing incident in which the Algerian coastguard fired upon him and three other tourists who had accidentally ventured into Algerian waters. Mohamed Kissi is the sole survivor of the incident, as his brother and a friend tragically lost their lives, while another friend remains in Algerian custody.

According to Mr. Kissi, they had departed from the Moroccan resort of Saidia on two jet skis when they became disoriented as night fell.

They realized they had unintentionally crossed into Algerian territory when they spotted Algerian coastguard boats approaching.

He described how the coastguard boats charged at them, and his brother signaled for them to turn back. However, the Algerian coastguard opened fire on them, leading to the tragic outcome.

Morocco has initiated an investigation into the incident, while Algeria has not yet commented on the matter. The incident has heightened tensions between the two nations, which have a long history of disputes, particularly related to Morocco's claims over the disputed Western Sahara territory.

The border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed since 1994, and diplomatic ties were severed by Algiers two years ago, accusing Morocco of hostile acts, a claim denied by Rabat.

The shooting incident has sparked outrage in Morocco after a fisherman shared footage of a lifeless body, identified as Bilal Kissi, floating in the sea. Bilal Kissi, who resided in France, was laid to rest on Thursday. Another individual named Abdelali Mechouar was also killed, with his body still in Algeria.

Smail Snabe, who holds French nationality, reportedly appeared before an Algerian prosecutor on Wednesday, although specific details were not disclosed.

The border between Algeria and Morocco, spanning nearly 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles), has been a source of tension since gaining independence from French colonial rule. It was closed in 1994 due to security concerns following a terrorist attack in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.

Morocco-Algeria dispute: The basics

What is the cause of the dispute? Algeria and Morocco have long-standing border disputes that trace their origins back to the era of French colonization. They even engaged in a war in 1963.

What has happened since then? Relations between the two nations have never fully recovered. Algeria supports the Polisario Front, a group fighting for the independence of Western Sahara from Morocco.

What are the consequences? The extensive border running through the Sahara Desert remains tightly sealed, and there is no direct legal trade between the two neighboring countries.