Five Indian nationals have been abducted by armed assailants in western Mali, near the town of Kobri, on Thursday. The group was working on electrification projects for a local company. This incident underscores the escalating security concerns and intensified jihadist activities in the West African nation. The company confirmed the kidnapping on Friday. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the abduction occurs amidst a backdrop of significant unrest. Mali, currently under military junta rule following coups in 2020 and 2021, has become a focal point for regional instability fueled by powerful militant organizations. These include groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda, such as the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslim (JNIM), and the Islamic State group. In response to the incident, the company has moved its remaining Indian employees to the capital, Bamako, for their protection. The ongoing security crisis is also impacting Mali’s economy, with JNIM recently imposing a fuel blockade on major cities. Foreign nationals are frequent targets in Mali, which has experienced prolonged conflict since 2012. Recently, JNIM militants kidnapped two Emirati nationals and an Iranian near Bamako, who were reportedly released after a substantial ransom payment. Efforts are underway to secure the release of the five Indian workers.
