Three Indians kidnapped amid attacks by Al Qaeda-linked terror group in Mali

BAMAKO: Three Indian cement factory workers in Mali have been kidnapped by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists. The group attacked the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes with guns and abducted the three. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda, is reported to be behind the attack.

Condemning the incident, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has asked the Mali government to take immediate steps for the safe release of the missing workers. ‘The incident happened on July 1. An armed group entered the factory premises and forcibly abducted the three Indian nationals. The Indian government strongly condemned the incident. It has asked the Mali government to take all necessary steps immediately for the safe return of our citizens. Senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs are closely monitoring the situation,’ the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in constant touch with the Mali authorities and the diamond factory management regarding the incident. The union government has also communicated with the families of the kidnapped workers. The ministry of external affairs has promised all necessary assistance to the family. Also advised all Indians in Mali to remain vigilant.