Flag at Algerian Consulate in Casablanca torn down during demonstration by hostile mob

CASABLANCA, Morocco – Witnesses say a man slipped into the compound of the Algerian Consulate in Casablanca, Morocco, scaled the building and tore down an Algerian flag.

Relations between the two nations have worsened in the last few days, with Morocco recalling its ambassador on Wednesday, citing provocative comments by the Algerian president over the disputed Western Sahara.

Morocco annexed the resource-rich region in 1975, and Algeria supports those fighting for its self-determination.

There has been a strong anti-Algerian campaign in the Moroccan press over the past week, and on Friday dozens of people protested outside the consulate. One man got through a police cordon into the compound and removed the flag.

The consulate was closed for a national holiday. Local press said the man was arrested.