Aug 3 (Reuters) - An al Qaeda affiliate in West Africa’s Sahel region has taken two Russian citizens hostage in Niger, according to a video released by the group on Friday.
The video from the media foundation of Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) includes what appears to be on-camera statements by the two captives, who say they were working for a Russian company in southwest Niger when they were taken prisoner. Speaking in Russian-accented English, both identified themselves as Russians and said they were taken hostage in Mbanga, an area about 60 km (40 miles) west of the capital Niamey. They did not say when this happened.
One called himself Yuri and said he was a geologist, the other gave his name as Greg and said he came to work in Niger a month ago.
It was not clear when the video was filmed or where. The pair spoke in front of a backdrop made out of traditional West African cloth. The video did not include a ransom demand.
were working for a Russian company in southwest Niger
One called himself Yuri and said he was a geologist
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_and_mining_industry_of_Niger
Exploitable deposits of gold have long been known to exist in south western region of Niger
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1221318890/russia-ukraine-wagner-group-putin-africa-blood-gold
How ‘blood gold’ from Africa is funding Russia’s war on Ukraine
Hmm.
Much as I normally would not say this, I’m not entirely sure that I’m sad to see al Qaeda pulling this.
Reuters - News Source Context (Click to view Full Report)
Information for Reuters:
MBFC: Least Biased - Credibility: High - Factual Reporting: Very High - United Kingdom
Wikipedia about this sourceSearch topics on Ground.News