Five Indian Nationals Kidnapped in Mali Amid Worsening Unrest Backed by Al-Qaeda
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A disturbing incident has unfolded in Mali, where gunmen have kidnapped five Indian nationals working on electrification projects in the country. The kidnapping occurred near Kobri, with security officials confirming the incident to news agency AFP. The Indian nationals were employed by a company that has since evacuated other Indian staff to Bamako for their safety. The development comes amidst a deepening crisis in Mali, where an Al-Qaeda-linked group has been waging a campaign of unrest and violence. In September, the same group kidnapped two Emirati nationals and an Iranian, releasing them last week after a reported ransom payment of at least $50 million. The Indian foreign ministry has yet to comment on the kidnapping. Mali is currently under military junta rule and facing an economic crisis due to a staggering fuel blockade. The government has been forced to shut schools, restrict farming, and limit access to electricity in an effort to cope with the crisis. President Assimi Goita has urged citizens to reduce unnecessary travel, promising to 'do everything possible' to deliver fuel to the country. The situation in Mali remains volatile, with criminal groups and jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group continuing to wreak havoc on the country.
