Al Qaeda Affiliate Takes Russian Hostages in Niger’s Gold Region

An al Qaeda affiliate in West Africa has taken two Russian citizens hostage in Niger. The captives, identified as Yuri and Greg, were working for a Russian company in southwest Niger. They were seized about a week ago while visiting gold mines in the Tillaberi region. The video released did not include a ransom demand.

An al Qaeda-affiliated group in West Africa's Sahel region has reportedly kidnapped two Russian nationals in Niger, as revealed in a video released by the extremist group on Friday.

The video, issued by Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), shows statements from the two hostages, who claim they were employed by a Russian company in southwest Niger. Speaking with Russian accents, they identified themselves as Yuri and Greg and said they were abducted in Mbanga, roughly 60 kilometers west of the capital Niamey. The exact timeline of the abduction was not disclosed, and the video did not feature any ransom demands.

A security source in Niger, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated the duo was taken about a week ago while visiting gold mines in the gold-abundant Tillaberi region. This area has been plagued by Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, affecting Niger and its neighboring countries, Mali and Burkina Faso. Since last year's coup, Niger's military junta has expelled Western forces and strengthened ties with Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)