Cairo issues a statement about “the situation of the community in Mali” after the kidnapping of 3 Egyptians

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that it is closely following the current developments and the situation of the community in Mali, after the kidnapping of 3 Egyptians by extremist organizations there.

The ministry said that it “stresses the necessity of adhering to the instructions and laws of the financial authorities, carrying identification papers, limiting movements, not traveling from the capital to other cities and regions, and exercising the necessary caution with any movement at the present time.”

The Ministry also published phone numbers to contact in case of emergency.

The “Support for Islam and Muslims” group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of 3 Egyptians in western Mali, according to its media channels.

A few days ago, the group announced the kidnapping of two Egyptians, before confirming the kidnapping of the third on the Ségou-Bamako road, east of the Malian capital.

The group confirmed in a statement published on its social media platforms that “the new victim is an Egyptian businessman suspected of cooperating with the Bamako authorities,” and demanded a ransom of $5 million to release the three kidnapped men together.