Mecasr Factbox - Kidnappings in the Sahara 2008 - present

Kidnappings of foreigners, particularly Westerners continues to be a growing problem in the Sahara region. Below are some of the most recent reported cases.

On 22 April 2010, a French national and an Algerian national were kidnapped by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) militants near Inabangaret (near Arlit) in northern Niger. The driver was released shortly afterwards.

On 18 December 2009 an Italian couple were kidnapped by AQIM in south eastern Mauritania 18 km east of Kobonni on the road to Mali. AQIM demanded the release of jailed comrades in Mauritania. The couple were released in Mali in April 2010.

On 29 November 2009 three Spanish nationals were kidnapped by AQIM whilst travelling on the road from Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, to the northern city of Nouadhibou. They were taken to Mali. A large ransom demand has been made.

On 28 November 2009, a group of armed men attacked six Saudi tourists and their two Malian guides near the Mali-Niger border in the Tillaberi region, in what is believed to have been a botched kidnapping attempt. Three of the Saudi nationals were killed and a fourth later died of his wounds. The remaining tourists were wounded and later recovered by the security forces; the two guides were released unharmed. The group was en route to the Gao region of Mali. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack.

On 25 November 2009, a French national was kidnapped by gunmen in the north eastern town of Menaka, Goa region, Mali. The abduction was claimed by AQIM in early December 2009. Pierre Camatte was released on 23 February following a prisoner swap.

On 14 November 2009, unidentified gunmen attempted to kidnap US embassy personnel in Tahoua, Niger. The identity of the attackers remains unknown.

On 22 January 2009, four European nationals (two Swiss, a Briton and a German) were kidnapped by Tuareg rebels along the Niger-Mali border and then sold to AQIM militants. The group was abducted near Bani Bangou after returning to Niger from a festival of nomad culture in the Mali border town of Anderamboukaneby. Two of the tourists were reportedly released on 22 April 2009. A ransom was reportedly paid. The British hostage was executed on 31 May 2009. The second Swiss captive was released in July 2009. Again, a ransom was reportedly paid. In exchange for the Brit, AQIM had demanded the release of Abu Qatada, a Jordanian cleric in British custody.

On 14 December 2008, two Canadian diplomats were abducted by AQIM militants outside Niamey, Niger. The duo were released on 22 April 2009. A ransom was reportedly paid.

In October 2008 AQIM released two Austrian tourists in northern Mali who had been kidnapped in February 2008 in Tunisia.