Three Indian nationals have been abducted in Mali amidst a surge of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting military and government sites across the country. The abduction occurred on July 1st when a group of unidentified armed assailants raided the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, where the Indian nationals were employed.

The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the incident and has strongly condemned the act of violence. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged the Malian government to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safe and swift release of the abducted individuals. According to the MEA, the Indian Embassy in Bamako is in close contact with Malian authorities, local law enforcement, and the families of the victims.

The coordinated attacks across Mali, including the abduction, have been claimed by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate group. The Malian armed forces have confirmed that their army positions were targeted in several areas, but claimed to have inflicted significant losses on the attackers, reportedly neutralizing around 80 terrorists.

This recent abduction and series of attacks highlight the escalating insurgency in Mali and the broader Sahel region. In response to the growing security crisis, the Indian government has issued an advisory for its nationals residing in Mali, urging them to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and maintain close contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako.

The abduction of the three Indian nationals is the latest in a series of security challenges faced by Mali. On June 2nd, terrorists targeted an army base and airport in Timbuktu, and a day prior, a raid resulted in the death of at least 30 soldiers in central Mali. These attacks are primarily attributed to groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has stated that senior officials are closely monitoring the situation and are engaged at various levels to facilitate the safe and early release of the abducted Indian nationals. The Indian government has unequivocally condemned the "deplorable act of violence" and continues to press the Malian government for decisive action.