GSPC: A new tactic in six Western tourists kidnapping

The so-called the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) led by Abdelmalek Droudkel nicknamed Abu Musab Abdelouadoud issued one single statement after it had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of six Western tourists in Niger, according to investigators.

• In its statement, the GSPC says it holds six tourists hostage and asks to release two of its Mauritanian members.
• Investigators believe Droudkel’s group has not issued any other statement because it “realized” the errors it had made in the kidnapping of two Austrian tourists in the Tunisian desert.
• “Each time, the GSPC fixes a deadline to kill them but they confirm the start of contacts with Malian mediation.”
• It is believed that the Mauritanians are held in Mali while Droudkel’s group plans to continue holding the hostages to ensure more protection from any military intervention.
• The hostages are in good conditions and negotiations are underway but in a “secret” way, Echorouk has learnt.
• On the other hand, Algerian security authorities are following the issue of the ransom after the terrorist organisation found abductions a supply source.