In a very worrying turn of events, three Indian nationals employed in a cement factory in Mali were kidnapped by terrorists associated with the outlawed terror outfit Al-Qaeda. Authorities confirmed on Thursday that heavily armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack on the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, and abducted the workers.
Local media reports that the highly armed militants attacked the cement factory and kidnapped the Indian workers by force when they attacked. The authorities suspect an attack by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda and linked to several attacks in Mali over the past few years.
The attack took place on July 1, and it has raised grave alarm in India, leading to urgent diplomatic action to ensure the safe release of the hostages.
India Deplores the Abduction, Calls for Speedy Action
In a strong reaction, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) deplored the abduction as a “deplorable act of violence” and asked the government of Mali to release the workers immediately.
The event took place on July 1, when a group of armed attackers launched a coordinated attack on the factory compound and took three Indian nationals as hostages by force. The government of India strongly condemns this act and urges the government of the Republic of Mali to undertake all necessary measures for the safe return of our nationals,” the MEA said in a statement.
Indian Embassy Coordinating with the Mali Authorities
The Indian Embassy in Bamako is coordinating closely with Malian authorities, local police, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory to identify and rescue the hostages. The embassy is constantly in contact with the families of the kidnapped workers and is keeping them regularly informed.
“Senior ministry officials are closely monitoring the situation and actively engaging at various levels to ensure the early and safe release of the Indian nationals,” the statement further said.
Advisory for Indians in Mali
Meanwhile, the MEA has requested all Indian citizens in Mali to use the utmost caution, exercise vigilance, and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy. Furthermore, the ministry once again assured the safe return of the abducted citizens and emphasized that it will offer all possible assistance to their families during this crisis.