Three Indian nationals working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, located in western Mali, were abducted on July 1 following a coordinated attack by Islamic terrorists. Indian authorities have confirmed the incident and have called upon the government of Mali to take urgent and effective measures to ensure the safe release of the hostages.
According to reports, heavily armed Islamic terrorists stormed the Diamond Cement Factory and took several employees hostage. Among those abducted were three Indian workers employed at the site. The attack occurred amid a wave of coordinated terror carried out across multiple regions of Mali on the same day. It is suspected that the group behind the attack is Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam-wal-Muslimeen (JNIM), an Islamic militant outfit with known affiliations to Al-Qaeda. The group is believed to have orchestrated multiple simultaneous attacks targeting both military and government installations in western and central Mali.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Indian government, which has termed the abduction a deplorable act of violence.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed serious concern over the safety of the abducted Indian citizens and has formally urged the Malian authorities to act swiftly to secure their release. The MEA has assured that the Indian government is fully committed to bringing back the hostages safely and is providing all necessary support to their families.
The Indian Embassy in Bamako is playing an active role in the ongoing efforts. It is in close contact with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory. The embassy is also in regular communication with the families of the abducted individuals and is keeping them informed of all developments.
Following the terror attack, the MEA has advised all Indian nationals residing in Mali to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in view of the prevailing security situation. Senior officials in New Delhi are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift resolution.
The government has reiterated its determination to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped citizens and stated that every possible measure is being taken to facilitate their release. The abduction has once again brought to focus the growing threat of Islamic terrorist activities in the Sahel region, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Mali.
