3 Indians kidnapped In Mali, rescue efforts underway

Three Indian nationals working at a cement factory in Mali were abducted by terrorists linked to banned terror outfit Al-Qaeda. The incident occurred when heavily armed attackers launched a coordinated assault on the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, a region in western Mali. Local reports indicate that the gunmen stormed the facility and took the workers hostage during the attack. New Delhi on Wednesday called upon the Mali government to take all necessary measures to secure their "safe and expeditious" release.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its "deep concern" regarding the abduction of Indians, employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes. "The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages," the MEA said. There has been no claim of responsibility for the kidnappings. The MEA said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in "close and constant" communication with the relevant authorities, local law enforcement agencies as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory.It said the mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals. The MEA also advised all Indians currently residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.