India on Wednesday (July 2) expressed deep concern about the kidnapping of three of his citizens working in a cement factory in Mali, because the West African country was rushing from the wave of coordinated jihadist attacks that left one civilian dead and several injured.
According to the Indian Ministry for External Affairs, armed attackers attacked 1 July in Kayes in Kayes and took three Indian nationals as a hostage. “The Indian government clearly condemns this pitiful violent act,” the ministry said in a statement and urged the Malian authorities to ensure safe and rapid release of workers.
The Indian Embassy in Bamak said it was in constant contact with Malian officials, local enforcement and factory administration. Families of the kidnapped workers were also informed, the officials added.
The kidnapping occurred on the same day that jihadist fighters organized almost simultaneous attacks on military installations across seven cities in Western and Central Mali, including Kayes, Nioro du Sahel and Niono. The JNIM group associated with Al-Qaeda demanded responsibility for attacks.
The inhabitants on Wednesday described the tense calm, while the businesses were slowly opening up, but are afraid of persistent. “We were really afraid yesterday … this morning, people go about their business, but everyone talks about nothing but this attack,” said the store owner in Noro du Sahel AFP.
According to medical officials in Kayes, a civilian injured during the attacks died in the hospital. More than 10 other people, mostly civilians, remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
The Mali Army said that more than 80 millitants were “neutralized” during the fighting, although the independent confirmation of the victims was not possible. In Kayes, the authorities imposed a monthly ban on walking and tightened transport restrictions in an effort to restore the order.
The Indian Foreign Ministry stated that the security of Indian nationals abroad remains the highest priority and called on citizens in Mali to proceed with extreme caution and remain in close contact with the Embassy on updates.
Since 2012, Mali has been facing a spiral Islamist uprising, with violence more and more spilling across the borders to Burkina Faso and Niger. Despite the promises of military junta to improve security, the extremist groups have intensified attacks on military and civilian goals this year.
The Indian government said it remains involved “at different levels” to ensure the premature and safe return of the kidnapped workers.
(Tagstotranslate) Indian citizens kidnapped in Mali
