It was a regular day at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, a region in western Mali. It suddenly turned into a full-blown crisis on July 1 as heavily armed militants entered the premises forcefully and abducted three Indian nationals there.
Reports have linked the attackers with Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). This group operates in association with al-Qaida.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called it a “deplorable act of violence.” “The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack on the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages. The government of India unequivocally condemns this act and calls upon the government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary steps for the safe return of our nationals,” the MEA said.
The ministry urged the Malian government to ensure the “safe and expeditious” release of the hostages.
Efforts to secure the release are already underway. The Indian Embassy in Bamako is in “close and constant touch” with the Malian authorities, local law enforcement agencies, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory. Officials are also maintaining communication with the families of the abducted workers.
“Senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate the safe and early release of the Indian nationals,” the statement added.
The MEA has urged Indians residing in Mali to stay vigilant and remain in regular contact with the Indian mission for updates and assistance.
Making every attempt to rescue the abducted, the Indian embassy in Bamako has been in contact with authorities in Mali, including local law enforcement agencies and the management of Diamond Cement Factory.
The embassy has been communicating with the members of the families of the abducted Indians, reports mentioned.
According to other reports, JNIM has taken responsibility for a series of attacks across Mali on the same day, including strikes on military and government facilities in Kayes, Diboli, Sandere, and other towns near the borders with Senegal and Mauritania.
Mali has been in the throes of Islamist insurgency for the last 11 years. It started in the country’s north and has now spread into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.
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