5 Indians Kidnapped in Mali as Al-Qaeda, ISIS Violence Spreads

ANS: In a chilling reminder of the deepening chaos in West Africa, five Indian nationals have been kidnapped in Mali’s restive western region, where militant outfits linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS have stepped up attacks amid a growing insurgency.

According to reports, the abduction occurred near Kobri town on Thursday when armed men intercepted a convoy of workers engaged in an electrification project. The victims were part of a team working for a private firm operating in the region. The remaining Indian employees were safely evacuated to Bamako, Mali’s capital.

Five Indian nationals working on electrification projects were kidnapped by gunmen in western Mali on Nov 6. No group has claimed responsibility. India has yet to issue a statement, while others from the company were evacuated to Bamako. @BislaDiksha tells you more pic.twitter.com/zD4Yy5OySN

— WION (@WIONews) November 8, 2025

While no group has yet claimed responsibility, security officials suspect the involvement of Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) — an al-Qaeda affiliate — or the Islamic State-Sahel Province, both of which have intensified operations across Mali’s western and central belt in recent months.

India Monitoring Situation Closely

The Indian Embassy in Bamako has confirmed that it is in close touch with Malian authorities to secure the release of the abducted nationals. “We are working with local security agencies and monitoring the situation very closely,” an official source said.

Jihadist Surge in Mali

Mali has been battling a violent insurgency since 2012, with jihadist groups exploiting political instability and the collapse of civilian governance. Despite the ruling military junta’s promises to restore order, extremist factions continue to expand their control, carrying out frequent attacks and kidnappings of foreign nationals.

Recent intelligence assessments warn that jihadist networks in Mali are regrouping after French and UN peacekeeping withdrawals, seizing control of key supply routes and resource zones. The latest abduction highlights the widening threat to foreign workers in the Sahel region, where lawlessness has become the norm.

Regional and Global Concern

The kidnapping has sparked concern in diplomatic circles, as Mali remains a crucial link in the Sahel’s fragile security chain. Experts say the incident underscores how the vacuum left by international forces has emboldened terror groups to target civilians and aid workers.

As one analyst told Reuters, “What we’re seeing in Mali now is a full-scale jihadist resurgence — the militants are testing how far they can push.”