Kidnappers demand $5 million for the release of 3 Egyptians in Mali.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea - Follow-ups: The "Support of Islam and Muslims" group, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of 3 Egyptians in western Mali, and demanded $5 million in ransom for their release. Malian sources revealed the kidnapping of an Egyptian citizen by gunmen on the Kayes-Bamako road in western Mali, after 2 others on October 28 on the Ségou-Bamako road. This comes amid the intensification of armed groups in Mali of kidnapping operations of foreigners, exploiting the fragile security situation in the country. The hostages are Egyptian investors who were working on surveying land to sell agricultural equipment. The incident came two days after officials announced yesterday the kidnapping of 5 Indian citizens in Mali, raising concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the West African country. Gunmen kidnapped the Indians on Thursday near a bridge in western Mali. A security official said the victims work for a company working on local electricity projects. Mali has witnessed frequent clashes between armed and rebel groups since 2012, creating dangerous conditions for foreign workers in remote areas. The government is struggling to stabilize the affected areas, but armed groups continue to pose a serious threat.