Al Qaeda affiliate takes two Russians hostage in Niger

Video from the media organization Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) includes what appears to be on-camera testimony from two prisoners, who say they were working for a Russian company in southwestern Niger when they were taken hostage.

Illustration: GI

Speaking in Russian-accented English, both identified themselves as Russian and said they had been taken hostage in Mbanga, an area about 60 kilometers west of the capital Niamey. They did not say when this happened.

One identified himself as Yuri and said he was a geologist, the other identified himself as Greg and said he had come to Niger to work a month ago.

It is unclear when or where the video was filmed. The couple is seen talking in front of a backdrop made from traditional West African fabric. The video does not include a ransom demand.

A security source in Niger, who asked not to be named, said the couple were kidnapped about a week ago while visiting gold mines.

Mbanga is located in the gold-rich Tillaberi region, where Islamist militants linked to Al Qaeda and IS are waging an insurgency that has destabilized large swathes of Niger, as well as neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.

Since taking power in a coup last year, Niger's military government, like Mali and Burkina Faso, has expelled Western forces and built closer military and business ties with Russia.

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chi-nhanh-al-qaeda-bat-hai-nguoi-nga-lam-con-tin-o-niger-post306207.html