Mali says 82 soldiers held captive since deadly attacks in April have been freed by armed groups, in a rare breakthrough as the country battles jihadist and rebel insurgencies. The junta also pardoned a French embassy official accused of spying and ordered his expulsion.
Mali’s army said Thursday that 82 soldiers held hostage since nationwide attacks in April had been released after being detained by armed groups linked to al Qaeda affiliate JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front.
The soldiers were captured following coordinated attacks on April 25 that targeted military positions, including the main airport, and killed the country’s defence minister.
The army described their release as the result of “rigorous planning” and coordinated efforts to secure their freedom.
JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, had claimed responsibility for the April attacks. The two groups also claimed a fresh wave of attacks against army positions on July 4.
