Paris: France has suspended its counter-terrorism cooperation with Mali, escalating tensions between the two nations. This decision comes in the wake of the arrest of a French embassy staff member in Bamako last month. The French government has also expelled two Malian diplomats as part of its response.

According to Anadolu Agency, the suspension of the cooperation and the expulsion of the diplomats were reported by broadcaster RFI, citing diplomatic sources. The two Malian diplomats, who were attached to the embassy and consulate in Paris, have been declared "persona non grata" and instructed to leave France by Saturday.

The incident traces back to August 15, when French national Yann Vezilier, suspected of being involved with the French intelligence service, was detained alongside Gen. Abbass Dembele and Brig. Gen. Naima Sagara. The arrest of Vezilier has further strained the already tense relations between Paris and Bamako.

Relations between the two countries have been deteriorating over recent years, with Mali's military leadership severing security ties with France and turning towards Russia for closer cooperation. This rift marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the region.