The move followed expulsions of French officials by Algeria after an Algerian official was accused of kidnapping an influencer who had been granted political asylum in France.

France said on Monday that Algeria had threatened to expel 12 of its diplomatic staff and that it would take immediate reprisals should that occur in the latest flare-up between them. Algeria protested over the weekend against Frances's detention of an Algerian consular agent suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian.

PARIS - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Tuesday that France will recall its ambassador to Algeria and expel 12 Algerian diplomatic staff stationed in France in a reciprocal move. Barrot made the announcement on his X account after Algeria ordered 12 French diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours on Monday.