Algerian kidnapped diplomats to be released soon

Three Algerian diplomats held hostage by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb were delivered to Tawhid and Jihad movement following a terrorist attack in a gas field in Tiguentourine (south of Algeria) and they will be released soon, Echorouk has learnt.

The diplomats are in a safe place in Mali under the control of Ould Badi, a senior member of Tawhid and Jihad movement along with Ahmed Ould Khiro alias Abu Kamkam, Mohamed Tlemci and SoltaneOuld Badi. Talks are underway for their release without any condition, according to the same sources.

Security exert Ali Zaoui told Echorouk Arab tribes in Mali handle the talks which came up with important results as the Algerian hostages were supposed to be freed before the beginning of the new year. Yet, their release was postponed for tension-related security reasons in Northern Mali.

“Algeria managed to solve the problem of those diplomats by asking the help of Arab tribes. Its principles do not allow it to negotiate with terrorists,” he told Echorouk.