Five Indians kidnapped in Mali as Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group close in on capital

BAMAKO: The Embassy of India in Bamako said it is "aware of the unfortunate incident" involving the kidnapping of five Indian nationals in Mali on November 6 and is working closely with local authorities and the concerned company to ensure their "safe release as quickly as possible."

In an X post, the embassy wrote, "The Embassy is aware of the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of five of our nationals in Mali on 6 Nov 2025. The Embassy has been working closely with the Malian authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible. "        

The abduction comes amid escalating instability in Mali, where terrorist group al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group is tightening its grip around the capital, Bamako.

The group, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam al-Muslimin (JNIM), has intensified attacks on highways, fuel convoys, and security forces, threatening to isolate the city from the rest of the country, as per CNN. Fuel shortages have begun to hit Bamako after terrorists cut off key supply routes, ambushed tanker trucks, and attacked military patrols.

CNN reported that many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have issued urgent advisories, asking their citizens to leave Mali due to the "unpredictable security situation."

In July, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also confirmed the abduction of three Indian nationals working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, following a terrorist attack. The ministry had "unequivocally condemned" the violence and urged the Malian government to secure their release. (ANI)

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