NDC DESK
New Delhi, July 3 : ” The Government of India has voiced deep concern over the abduction of three Indian citizens in Mali, following a wave of violent attacks reportedly carried out by Al-Qaeda-linked militants in the West African nation.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the incident took place on July 1 at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, where the three Indians were employed. Armed assailants launched a coordinated assault on the facility, forcibly taking the Indian nationals hostage.
“The incident occurred when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages”,the MEA said in an official statement on Wednesday.
The Indian government also noted that several military and government installations across western and central Mali came under attack the same day, further destabilizing the already volatile region.
Although no group has formally claimed responsibility for the abduction, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, has admitted to carrying out multiple attacks throughout Mali on July 1. The group has a history of targeting foreign nationals and government infrastructure.
India has urged Malian authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and early release of the abducted individuals.
The situation remains fluid, and efforts are ongoing to establish contact and secure the safe return of the hostages.
