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The company they were working in provided this information. According to sources, gunmen abducted these Indians near Koubari in western Mali. They were working on electrification projects there.
Five Indians kidnapped in Mali
New Delhi: Five Indian nationals were kidnapped in Mali on Thursday amid rising violence and terrorist activities of al-Qaeda and ISIS in this West African Nation.
The company they were working in provided this information. According to sources, gunmen abducted these Indians near Koubari in western Mali. They were working on electrification projects there.
A company spokesperson said, "We confirm that five of our Indian employees have been kidnapped." He further said that the remaining Indian employees have been shifted to the capital, Bamako.
So far, no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated organizations active in Mali
Mali is currently under military rule, and instability is steadily increasing in the country. Organizations linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are active there, carrying out attacks and kidnappings on a regular basis.
In particular, the Al-Qaeda-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) is spreading violence in the country. Recently, the group imposed a fuel blockade, further worsening Mali's already struggling economy.
Kidnappings are common in Mali. Since 2012, the country has experienced several military coups and civil war-like situations. In September, the same group kidnapped two Emirati citizens and an Iranian citizen.
The three were released last week after receiving a ransom of at least $50 million (approximately Rs 415 crore). The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Malian government are currently investigating this latest incident. Efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped Indians.
