Three Indians abducted in Mali terror strike
The group, known for its deadly operations across the Sahel region, launched the assault in what appears to be a strategic escalation of violence in Mali. The coordinated strikes resulted in significant casualties and heightened regional tensions. The international community has condemned the violence.
New Delhi/Bamako:
In a deeply alarming development, three Indian nationals working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Mali, were abducted during a coordinated terror strike on July 1.
The Indian workers were reportedly taken hostage when heavily armed assailants stormed the factory premises in Kayes, a city located in western Mali near the Senegal border. The attackers are believed to be affiliated with the al-Qaeda-linked extremist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has since claimed responsibility for a series of deadly and well-coordinated strikes across several parts of Mali.
According to the Malian armed forces and international reports, the July 1 attacks targeted not only Kayes but also several other towns, including Diboli, Sandere, Nioro du Sahel, and Gogoui These locations were subjected to simultaneous assaults, indicating a calculated and large-scale offensive by the extremist group.
The MEA released an official statement condemning the abduction in the strongest terms, calling the act “deplorable” and urging Malian authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safe return of the Indian nationals.
**”The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe.
The Indian Embassy in Bamako, the capital of Mali, is actively coordinating with local law enforcement agencies, the Malian government, and the management of Diamond Cement Factory to obtain real-time updates and facilitate rescue efforts.
Senior officials from the MEA are closely monitoring the evolving situation and are engaged at various levels to expedite the safe return of the hostages. The Indian government also reaffirmed its strong stance against terrorism and acts of violence targeting Indian nationals abroad.
JNIM, the group that claimed responsibility for the attacks, is the most prominent jihadist faction in Mali and has been a leading force in destabilizing the Sahel region. The group is known for carrying out attacks on military bases, government installations, and foreign nationals. It emerged from the merger of several Islamist groups in 2017 and has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda.
The current wave of violence underscores the persistent threat posed by Islamist extremists in Mali and neighboring countries. The simultaneous attacks across multiple towns suggest a renewed offensive aimed at weakening the Malian military and sowing fear among international workers and companies operating in the region.
The incident has triggered alarm in diplomatic and security circles, particularly given the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in Mali’s industrial and infrastructure sectors. Indian workers, who are often employed in infrastructure, mining, and manufacturing roles in Africa, have been advised to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols.
This is not the first time Indian nationals have come under threat in conflict zones abroad. The Indian government has a strong track record of conducting successful rescue missions through diplomatic and back-channel efforts in various parts of the world, including Yemen, Afghanistan, and Nigeria.
The MEA’s prompt response and the Embassy’s close coordination on the ground reflect New Delhi’s proactive approach in dealing with crises involving its citizens overseas.
India has reiterated the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of civilian populations in volatile regions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has in the past stressed the need to “call out terrorism publicly and collectively”, highlighting India’s global advocacy for a zero-tolerance approach toward extremism.
As of now, no further details have been released regarding the identities of the hostages or the conditions under which they are being held. Indian authorities are maintaining a cautious approach to avoid jeopardizing ongoing negotiations or operations.
The government has urged the media and public to avoid speculation and to rely on official updates as efforts continue to secure the release of the abducted Indian nationals.