The terrorist organization “Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimi” (JNIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three Egyptian citizens in western Mali, according to announcements made on its media platforms.

The group had initially declared the detention of two Egyptians a few days prior, and later confirmed the kidnapping of a third while he was traveling on the Ségou–Bamako road east of the Malian capital.

Massive ransom and claims of Bamako collaboration
In an official statement released through its propaganda channels, the group identified the third hostage as an Egyptian businessman.

It accused the businessman of collaborating with Malian authorities and demanded a hefty ransom of five million dollars for the release of the three captives.

The JNIM also described the operation as a “blow to the supporters of the Russian occupation,” in a clear reference to the cooperation between the Malian government and the Russian Africa Corps forces.

As of now, no official response has been issued by the Malian government or the Egyptian embassy in Bamako regarding the incident.

However, diplomatic sources confirmed that they have received formal notification of the event, adding that authorities have commenced field search and reconnaissance operations in the areas surrounding the kidnapping site.

A surge in kidnappings
This latest operation is part of a broad escalation adopted by the JNIM against the Bamako government.

The group is attempting to impose a strangling economic blockade by cutting off key roads leading to the capital. This has already led to a severe fuel shortage, the closure of schools and universities, and a price increase for basic commodities by 200 percent.

The JNIM controls approximately 80 percent of gold production in the Kayes region, an area that has witnessed a rise in incidents of truck burning and driver kidnappings, according to field reports.

It is believed that the group relies on these activities to finance its military and logistical operations.