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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Three Indians abducted in Mali factory attack: What is known so far
Three Indian nationals were abducted during an attack on the Diamond Cement Factory in the western Malian city of Kayes on Tuesday. In response to this, India has urged the government of Mali to take urgent action and condemned the incident as a 'deplorable act'. Here's what we know so far. Attack in Mali, Indians abducted The kidnapping took place on July 1 during a coordinated attack on the Diamond Cement Factory. Armed assailants stormed the premises and took three Indian workers hostage. While no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, the incident coincided with a series of deadly attacks across Mali, raising fears that the hostages may be caught in a broader insurgent campaign. India's response to abduction A day after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the abduction, urging Malian authorities to act 'urgently and effectively' to locate the missing citizens and bring them home safely. 'The government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act and calls upon the Republic of Mali to act urgently and effectively to ensure the safe return of our nationals,' the MEA said in a statement. Indian embassy urges caution India's embassy in Bamako is also working closely with local law enforcement and factory management. The Ministry of External Affairs also said contact has been established with the families of the three Indians, who are receiving ongoing support and updates from the mission. The Indian government has issued a safety advisory to its citizens in Mali, urging them to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with the embassy. Background on Mali crisis Mali, a landlocked country in the volatile Sahel region, has been battling armed insurgency for over a decade. Security vacuum in the country has allowed extremist groups tied to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State to expand their operations, often targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. Following recent military coups, Mali expelled French forces and brought in Russian mercenaries for support; however, this has not helped stabilise the situation. Militant attack on the same day On the same day of the abduction of Indian workers, al-Qaeda-linked militants from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for coordinated assaults on military positions in Mali's western and central regions, the Associated Press reported. This also included Diboli, a town situated just across the border from Senegal. Till now, Senegal had largely escaped the extremist violence plaguing the Sahel. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian military spokesperson Col Majo Souleymane Dembélé confirmed that security forces had 'neutralised' 80 attackers in response to the assaults. He did not provide information on casualties among the army or civilians.
02-07-2025
- Politics
Al-Qaida-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
BAMAKO, Mali -- Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. The al-Qaida-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembélé said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Al-Qaeda-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
Jul 02, 2025 08:23 AM IST Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. The al-Qaeda-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions(AP/Representational Image) The al-Qaeda-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembélé said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Also read: Yemen's al-Qaida branch leader threatens Trump, Musk and others Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both.
Toronto Sun
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Al-Qaida-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
Published Jul 01, 2025 • 1 minute read FILE - Mali's Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Maj Gen Oumar Diarra salutes as he inspects the military during an independence day military parade in Bamako, Mali, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP Photo, file) AP BAMAKO, Mali — Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The al-Qaida-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the co-ordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Read More Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembele said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups, Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Toronto Maple Leafs Ontario Music Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Blue Jays
Hamilton Spectator
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Al-Qaida-linked group claims attack against Mali army position near Senegal
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Armed men attacked a Mali community just over the border from Senegal, Mali's military said Tuesday — a development that one expert called especially worrying as the deadly violence spreads. The al-Qaida-linked JNIM extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. One position was in Diboli, across the border from Senegal, which has been largely spared the extremist attacks. 'The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,' said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. 'This will also worry border communities in Senegal.' Malian army spokesperson Col. Majo Souleymane Dembélé said on national television that the army had 'neutralized' 80 attackers. There were no details on any casualties among soldiers. Mali, a landlocked nation in the semiarid Sahel region, for more than a decade has battled an insurgency by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups , Mali's authorities have expelled French forces and turned to Russia's mercenary units for assistance, but the security situation has been deteriorating. Attacks by extremists have been on the rise in Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso in recent weeks. JNIM has established a strong presence in both. ____ AP's Africa coverage at: Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
