Indian Nationals Kidnapped in Mali: A Growing Concern Amid Unrest
Image Source: Internet
A shocking incident has unfolded in Mali as gunmen kidnapped five Indian nationals in the conflict-hit region of western Mali. The workers, employed by a company working on electrification projects, were taken near Kobri on Thursday, according to a security source. The company has confirmed the kidnapping, stating that the other Indian workers have been safely evacuated to Bamako, the capital. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings so far. Mali, currently under military rule, is grappling with a surge in unrest linked to criminal groups and jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The security situation has worsened an economic crisis in the impoverished country, where the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has imposed a fuel blockade. Kidnappings targeting foreigners are a recurring issue in Mali, which has experienced coups and conflicts since 2012. In September, JNIM jihadists kidnapped two Emirati nationals and an Iranian near Bamako, but they were released last week after a reported ransom of at least $50 million. As the situation in Mali continues to deteriorate, concerns are growing for the safety of foreign nationals and local civilians caught in the midst of the conflict.
