Three Indians Abducted in Mali Terror Attack Linked to Al-Qaeda Affiliate; India Demands Swift Action

Three Indian nationals were abducted in Mali following a deadly terror attack on July 1 at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali. The assault, linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), has drawn strong condemnation from the Indian government and prompted calls for immediate action to secure their release.

According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday, a group of armed militants stormed the factory and forcibly took the three Indians hostage. All of them were employed at the facility and were targeted during the coordinated assault.

JNIM Claims Responsibility for Wider Attacks

While no group has claimed direct responsibility for the abduction, JNIM has reportedly taken credit for a series of coordinated attacks across Mali on the same day. These included assaults on military outposts and government installations in Kayes, Diboli, Sandere, and other towns near the borders with Senegal and Mauritania.

The Malian Armed Forces confirmed the scale of violence, which swept across both the western and central regions of the country.

Mali has been embroiled in a worsening Islamist insurgency since 2012, with jihadist violence—fueled by groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS—spreading beyond the country’s northern regions into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. The situation has deteriorated further under Mali’s current military-led government, which continues to battle separatist movements and organized criminal networks.

India Condemns Attack, Presses for Immediate Rescue

The Indian government strongly condemned the abduction and called on Malian authorities to act swiftly to ensure the hostages’ safe return.

“The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the MEA said.

The Indian embassy in Mali’s capital, Bamako, is actively coordinating with local authorities, security forces, and the management of Diamond Cement Factory. The embassy is also in regular contact with the families of the kidnapped individuals.

“Senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate the safe and early release of the Indian nationals,” the MEA added.

The ministry has also issued an advisory for Indian citizens in Mali, urging them to remain vigilant and in regular communication with the embassy for updates and assistance.