Poonam Nath

Terror Tension In Mali: Indians Held Hostage by outlawed Al-Qaida, Rescue Ops On

Digital Desk: A tense situation is unfolding in Mali, As per reports, three Indian nationals working at a cement business were abducted by terrorists belonging to the outlawed terror group Al-Qaida on Thursday. The incident occurred when highly armed militants launched a combined assault on the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali.

The Al Qaida-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has carried out numerous attacks across Mali, is suspected of being behind this abduction as well.

In response to the attack, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the "deplorable act of violence" and urged the Mali government to ensure the workers' "safe and expeditious" release. 

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Bamako is in "close and constant contact" with Malian authorities, local law enforcement, and Diamond Cement Factory management to ensure the hostages' safety.

Meanwhile, the MEA has encouraged all Indian residents in Mali to exercise great caution and maintain regular touch with the embassy for updates and support.

The ministry emphasized that it "remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest" and that it will provide all available assistance to the affected families.

The officials have stated that all necessary precautions are being taken and that updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.