Al-Qaeda Affiliate Abducts 3 Indians in Mali; India Expresses Deep Concern

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Abducts 3 Indians in Mali; India Expresses Deep Concern

Al-Qaeda Affiliate Abducts 3 Indians Latest News Updates: New Delhi – India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali, West Africa, amid a series of attacks by an al-Qaeda affiliate, Hindustan Times reported, citing the Ministry of External Affairs.

The three individuals were reportedly working at a Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali, and were abducted on July 1, when armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack on the facility.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals.”

As per the report published at 11:04 AM today, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction so far. However, the al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has reportedly claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on military posts across Mali on Tuesday.

In response to the attacks, Mali’s armed forces killed 80 fighters, according Aljazeera report.

The Indian Embassy in Bamako, Mali’s capital, is in close contact with Malian authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory to secure the release of the abducted Indians. The embassy is also in touch with the victims’ families.

The MEA has advised Indian nationals in Mali to remain cautious, stay vigilant, and maintain contact with the embassy for regular updates and necessary assistance.

The exact number of Indian nationals currently residing in Mali could not be immediately confirmed.

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