Five Indians Kidnapped In Mali Amid Rising Al-Qaida, ISIS Activities

Last Updated:November 08, 2025, 12:21 IST

Mali, currently under a military junta, continues to struggle with deepening instability and a surge in extremist violence

News18

Five Indians have been kidnapped in Mali amid the rising violence linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated groups in the Western African country, reported AFP, citing officials.

The kidnapping reportedly took place on Thursday near Kobri, in western Mali, when a group of armed men kidnapped the Indians.

They were working for a company engaged in local electrification projects, a security official said.

A company representative told AFP that all remaining Indian employees have been moved to the capital city, Bamako, for safety. So far, no organisation has claimed responsibility for the abductions.

“We confirm the kidnapping of five Indian nationals. The other Indians working for the company have been evacuated to Bamako, the capital," the representative said.

Mali, currently under a military junta, continues to struggle with deepening instability and a surge in extremist violence. The Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has, in recent months, intensified its control, even imposing a crippling fuel blockade that has worsened the country’s already severe economic crisis.

Kidnappings of foreigners are now common in Mali, where years of unrest, repeated coups, and militant attacks have weakened the government’s control. Much of the country has been outside state authority since 2012.

Kidnapping Highlights Security Collapse

In September, fighters belonging to JNIM reportedly kidnapped two Emirati citizens and an Iranian near Bamako, the capital. The hostages were released only last week after a ransom of around USD 50 million was allegedly paid, according to reports.

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