Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Breaking: AlQaeda (AQIM) Releases Four Western Hostages In Mali

Update on AlQaeda Kidnaps Six Westerners (Identified: 2 Canadians, 1 Brit, 1 German, 2 Swiss)

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has released four hostages but unfortunately the Brit and other Swiss(male) is still being held. The article doesn't state if monies or demands were met.
Al-Qaeda's North African[AQIM] branch on Wednesday released in Mali two Canadian diplomats, a German and a Swiss tourist kidnapped several months ago, but held on to two other Europeans.

The kidnappers released Robert Fowler, UN special envoy to Niger and his assistant Louis Gay, who were snatched in December last year in Niger and two female tourists out of a group of four nabbed in January.

"Four of the six hostages were released," said a security source in the northern town of Gao, speaking on condition of anonymity[...]

Al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb has said it intended to unify armed Islamist groups in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco as well as emerging groups in countries bordering the Sahara.

They include Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.

The North African branch has raised concerns among Western countries after claiming a series of deadly suicide bombings in Algeria and other attacks in the region as well as several kidnappings.
I pray for the safe release of the others.

Cross posted at Jawa Report

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