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Mali announces release of kidnapped Moroccan truck drivers
The Malian government has confirmed the release of four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped earlier this year near the northeastern border of Burkina Faso with Niger. The drivers, abducted in January, were freed last Sunday and are reported to be "safe and sound."
Joint effort leads to release
According to the Malian authorities, the drivers were being held by the Islamic State in the Sahel Province, a terrorist group affiliated with ISIS. Their release was the result of coordinated efforts between Mali’s National State Security Agency and Morocco’s General Directorate for Studies and Documentation.
The Malian government expressed its gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for their collaboration in ensuring the safe return of the truckers.
Security concerns for Moroccan drivers
The release highlights the increasing risks faced by Moroccan truckers operating in the Sahel region, where security has significantly deteriorated. In January, an attack in Niooro du Sahel, Mali, resulted in damage to two Moroccan trucks, although the drivers were unharmed.
This follows a tragic incident in 2021 when two Moroccan drivers lost their lives in a violent attack, which Mali condemned as "barbaric." The Malian Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed solidarity with Morocco during that time, emphasizing the brotherly ties between the two nations.
The latest release underscores the persistent security challenges in the region and the ongoing efforts to safeguard Moroccan citizens working in high-risk areas.