Kidnappers of French citizens in Mali arrested
The kidnappers of two French citizens in Hombori in Mali in November have been arrested on Malian territory according to local security services.
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No details have been given about the number of people arrested or the circumstances of the arrest, but the sources say the investigation is continuing.
Serge Lazarevic and Philippe Verdon were kidnapped from their hotel on 24 November in the middle of the night by armed men and taken to an unknown destination.
Last week Aqmi (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, and also that of 3 other European hostages who were captured the next day in Timbuktu in northern Mali.
A German tourist who was with the 3 men resisted arrest and was shot dead by the attackers.
Altogether, 12 Europeans, including 6 French people, are being held hostage in the Sahel by Aqmi or another group.
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