Three Indians Abducted in Mali by Al‑Qaeda‑Linked Terror Attack; MEA Urges Immediate Action

Three Indians Abducted in Mali by Al‑Qaeda‑Linked Terror Attack: Three Indians were kidnapped on July 1 during an armed attack at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

MEA wants immediate action to rescue 3 Indians abducted by an Al-Qaeda linked terror outfit in Mali. The Ministry is in touch with concerned officials to ensure the safe release of Indians.

In a statement on Wednesday, the MEA expressed "deep concern" over the incident and said its officials are closely monitoring the situation. "The Ministry of External Affairs expresses its deep concern regarding the abduction of three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali. The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages," it said.

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Strongly condemning the incident, the government said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant touch with authorities, security agencies, and families of the victims.

"The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory," the MEA statement read.

"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 and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals," the statement read.

Tuesday saw a series of attacks in Diboli near Mali’s border with Senegal, Kayes, and Sandere. Other attacks were reported in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of Bamako near Mauritania’s border and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali, according to Mali’s armed forces cited by Reuters.

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The mission is also keeping the families of the abducted workers informed.

"Senior officials of the Ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian Nationals," the statement added.

MEA has asked all Indians in Mali to be extra cautious, vigilant, and keep in touch with the embassy for updates and assistance.

The government has also advised all Indian citizens currently residing in Mali to "exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance."

The ministry said it will extend all possible support to Indians and "remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest".

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