Al-Qaeda-linked Terrorists Abduct 3 Indians In Mali

Three Indian nationals working at a factory in Mali have been abducted by armed militants reportedly belonging to the banned terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda.

The incident took place on July 1.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Thursday that the three were working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes when coordinated attacks were launched by Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

Local reports, according to the Indian Express, state that heavily armed gunmen stormed the facility and took the workers hostage during the attack. JNIM is suspected of the abduction as they claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement, "The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack on the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages. The government of India unequivocally condemns this act and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary steps for the safe return of our nationals."

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced strong condemnation of what it called a "deplorable act of violence" and has urged the Malian government to ensure the workers' "safe and expeditious" release.

The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in “close and constant” touch with Malian authorities and is providing the families of those abducted with regular updates, as stated in the Ministry's press statement.  Senior officials of the Ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate the safe and early release of Indian Nationals.

The Ministry of External Affairs has urged all Indians living in Mali to exercise extreme caution, stay vigilant and keep in regular contact with the embassy for updates and assistance. The ministry reiterated that it "remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest" and said it will extend all possible support to the affected families.