Five Indian workers have been kidnapped in western Mali, deepening fears over the country’s worsening security situation. The men were taken on Thursday near the town of Kobri by armed gunmen, according to a security source. They were employed by a company involved in electrification projects across the region.
A company spokesperson confirmed the abduction and said the remaining Indian employees have been moved safely to the capital, Bamako. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
Mali, ruled by a military junta, has faced years of instability caused by jihadist and criminal groups. Armed factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have intensified attacks, worsening economic hardship and disrupting vital services. The Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has also imposed a crippling fuel blockade in several areas.
Kidnappings of foreign nationals remain common in Mali. In September, JNIM militants abducted two Emiratis and an Iranian near Bamako. The hostages were released last week after a ransom reportedly exceeding $50 million was paid.
Authorities and security forces continue to search for the missing Indian workers as tensions in Mali escalate further.
