PARIS — France has expelled 12 Algerian diplomatic officials, in a move that mirrors Algeria’s decision a day earlier to expel the same number of French personnel. The tit-for-tat expulsions mark a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries, whose historically complex relationship has been under increasing strain in recent months.

Algeria said its action was in direct response to the arrest of an Algerian consulate official by French police, who are reportedly investigating a kidnapping case. Algiers described the arrest as a breach of diplomatic protocol and accused Paris of failing to respect the rights and protections of foreign diplomats.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry added that relations between the two countries have been deteriorating since last summer, citing a series of disagreements on migration policy, visa restrictions, and public remarks made by French officials about Algeria’s political leadership.

In a brief statement, the French Foreign Ministry confirmed the expulsion of the 12 Algerian diplomats and said the move was made “in reciprocity and in defense of France’s diplomatic integrity.”

The latest fallout adds to a growing list of disputes that have soured ties between Paris and Algiers former colonial powers still navigating a legacy of mistrust and national sensitivities.

Neither side has indicated an interest in immediate diplomatic talks, raising concerns that the standoff could lead to further political or economic consequences.