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Suggestions of whch way the culprits who shot the 5 soldiers in Niger recently went after the attack:
maliweb.net :: Les Dijahadistes de Tilwa venaient du Mali |
Algerians in the desert have had it with islamists
Algeria: We're Not Going To Take It Any More French military instructors arrive in Mopti to train hundreds of Mali soldiers Mali : des instructeurs français dépêchés pour une formation anti-terroriste - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq also Ennahar Online - French instructors for anti-terrorist training in Mali News from Kidal Les news de Kidal.info || Kidal.info |
It looks like Algeria is moving in on the northeast too (Tizi Ouzou, etc - not the desert). This has been the site of attacks on civilians and officials every few weeks for many years.
Along with the news from the south it could be the beginning of the showdown - or just another war. (Maghrebia) Algerian army begins biggest anti-terror offensive in years 2010-04-13 Thousands of ANP troops, supported by Algerian gendarmes, police and Special Forces, just launched the country's largest anti-terror military operation since the 2005 Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, Liberte reported on Tuesday (April 13th), adding that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika "has finally realised that armed Islamist groups continue to defy the state". The "Ennasr" (Victory) operation targets at least 300 terrorists in Jijel, Skikda, Batna, Bejaia, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Setif, Constantine, M'sila, Medea, Djelfa Tipasa Tlemcen Sidi Bel-Abbes, Ain Defla, Bouira, Boumerdes, Tizi Ouzou, Blida, Biskra, Saida, Relizane and Tebessa. |
Chasing 300 people amongst what amounts to 80+% of the national population in most of the densely inhabited wilayas? Looking for grains of sand in an erg.
Notice that there are zero extremists in Algiers, Oran, and Annaba - the three most important cities (apart from the petroleum areas). I just hope they don't knock the erg over in pursuit of said sand grains. People are generally fed up with things, and even more control might not be so good. They seem at the same time to be so thirsty for peace and normality that they have a vast reserve of tolerance and resignation for the not always pleasant means to that cherished end. Algeria is SO hard to read, understand, or get any sort of grasp on, even having spent time there. A situation not helped by the mind bending press that comes out. Sometimes I wonder if the risk factor is indeed much higher. In 99.99% of cases it is not, but it only takes one extremist/bomb/abduction/etc. |
Give them a break, at least Bouteflika "has finally realised that armed Islamist groups continue to defy the state". Maybe that was a jab.
I think they have a fairly good idea where the jihadis hang out - or the long put-upon hill villagers certainly do, just as they do in Mali and NWFP. The nature of the terrain means it won't be as easy as the desert but as long as they don't napalm the place it will be a great propaganda offensive. This seems to be the way they do it now. Announce "we're coming to get you" and then go and get them. Ch |
Yes, it could be neat, underhanded reporting. But it is hard to know what comes from journalism, what comes from the regime (and which part of the regime).
As you say, the actual areas that need 'mopping up' are fairly well known, so it is strange that virtually the entire north is brought into it. |
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I don't suppose it's a huge surprise to read that parts of the Malian state may be in on it or want their slice of the cake, or that some Sahelian/Burkinabe Max Clifford figures are benefitting too.
You do wonder what the Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini meant by the "fruit of intense diplomatic work that led authorities in Mali to take decisive actions to reach this solution. We had to work for many months on very complex political and diplomatic negotiations". Without wishing to diminish their ordeal, from the photos it appears the two Italians and the Spanish woman were better treated than previous hostages, as if the captors are becoming ever better at 'hostage hospitality', climate notwithstanding. I read somewhere that Abou Zaid (portrayed as a jihadi hardliner who executed Edwin Dyer) was not managing the Italian captivity, which may explain the less harsh treatment. Honestly, we were treated well, but the heat really was hard", Mrs. Cicala indicated. "We ate well, even if food was not that [good/plentiful?]. There was drinking water, meat, even milk and bread for breakfast, she said. "Whatever the kidnappers ate, they gave us the same. But the heat was our main problem... We made shade with blankets in the branches of trees", she added. Ch |
Four Saharan desert states (Mali, Mauri, Niger and Algeria) are to open a joint command headquarters in Algeria (Tam) to co-ordinate efforts to counter the growing regional threat from al-Qaeda.
From the perspective of counter-insurgency and assuming this will mean forces can cross each others borders, this is the sort of thing that is needed. For AQIM, it might mean that NE Mali is no longer the refuge it once was and that they might have to relocate to other parts of the Sahara or lie low for a bit. For Saharan travellers it might actually mean an increase in the uncertainty in the short term as new patterns shake down. But first the Algerians need to take some action..... BBC News - Saharan states to open joint military headquarters |
Saudi Cleric Issues Fatwa
At long last clerics from Saudi speak out against terrorism.
Many in Maghreb hail Saudi fatwa denouncing terrorism (Magharebia.com) |
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Security situation in south Algeria
Ulrich, I believe the article on Bahanga is fake until it has been corroborated from other sources. Also, the only people he likes to kidnap are Malian soldiers.
And the Ghana article is more related to WA drugs, perhaps with a connection to Aqim. Meanwhile, it appears that there was an intercepted satellite call commanding kidnappings (in Tefedest?) that set off the alarm in south Algeria, closing parts of the desert for tourism and abruptly interrupting the vacation for those who were in the area. El-Watan El Watan :: 26 mai 2010 :: Embargo sécuritaire sur Tamanrasset et Djanet�*: Menace sur le tourisme saharien by Salima Tlemcani Quote:
Les Touareg veulent des Etats fédéraux au Mali et au Niger - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq Quote:
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El Watan - Exclusif : La vraie carte du terrorisme Gogoonisch - E Ulrich |
Isn't it ironic that this "real map" is near unintelligible?
And not much to do with kidnapping tactics. |
Interview with Jeremy Keenan (translated from German)
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blog mondediplo - Au Sahel, un nouveau front �* haut risque Gogoonisch - E Ulrich |
"Beware of slippery operations! They are a French speciality"
Interesting article (have not read it all yet) but features another vague and inaccurate graphic (actually, some diplomatic atlas from 2006) that would be misleading to someone who did not know the background.
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Hi,
an article in French resuming quite well the complexity of the situation in souther Sahara: Aqmi, un business à désert ouvert - Libération Aqmi, un business |
Very interesting read, thanks Yves.
The opening paragraph has an interesting line: "Each European abducted by accomplices of Al-Qaeda would be "resold" terrorists for rates ranging from 15 000 to 300 000 euros. American and British nationals are not subject, because their Governments refuse to pay ransom"... Is there any basis to believe that is true (US and UK citizens not subject). Or are they just more likely to be killed outright?! |
The latest events show a change in French policy towards AQ and their affiliates. The new hardline approach is probably good for ending the kidnapping of westerners as a way of financing terrorism but it may be very negative for those who are unfortunate enough to become hostages.
It appears Sarkozy will rather sacrifice his own than negotiating. What will this lead to? Will Aqim start looking for other nationalities, or will they continue to take big risks to attack France for propaganda purposes? There are many thousands of French in Niger-Mali-Mauretania. Sahel : la France opte pour le durcissement face � AQMI - LeMonde.fr Quote:
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From the last few lines of the article which Ulrich's most recent posting refers us to (and talking about the Elusive One):
" There, he enjoyed for years the right to asylum, following his intervention in the happy ending of the abduction of German and Austrian tourists. He has been promised to be left alone if he does not engage in hostile action on our soil," told Le Figaro in March 2007, Col. El Hadj Gamou, head of the 1st Military Region of Mali. " This is probably the first explanation I have seen about why Mali does little to expel AQIM from Mali. |
First Algerian tourist kidnapping since 2003
The first Algerian kidnapping since 2003 happened in Alidema, near the Tadrart, ESE of Djanet in the early evening (6pm) of 2 February 2011.
The Algerian domino has fallen. What can be learnt from the incident? 1. The kidnapping occurred in an area close to the Algerian/Niger/Libya border, but particularly close to the Niger border. Reports are that the bandits took off for Niger during the hours of darkness but first destroyed the lights of the guide's car - presumably to buy time. The UK FCO travel warning for Algeria has long posted the following warning: "We also advise that you exercise extreme caution in the areas bordering Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Libya and Tunisia." While much of the Algerian Sahara open to tourism is reasonably secure, the border areas cannot be secure. The FCO warning has proven to be accurate. Many tourists who know Algeria have known to stay clear of the border areas, particularly the far, far south near Niger and Mali. The kidnapping location was well chosen - a short drive to Niger. The timing of the kidnapping at or just after sunset suggests that the tactic was to clear off to Niger as soon as possible. On 2nd February there was no moon. The night would have been dark - part of the plan no doubt. 2. The incident seems to have happened near a known camping spot in the Alidema region - a region famous for many rock arches. It seems that the bandits expected more than one tourist. 3. For the first time the bandits have kidnapped a woman on her own. Previously women have been taken as part of a group which included men (e.g. Austrian from Tunisia, Spanish from Mauri, Italians from Mauri). In some cases, the women have been released earlier than the men (e.g. Spanish) or have been offered release earlier than men (e.g. Italians from Mauri). The tactic of taking a lone woman is a first. I think it was unplanned on the part of AQIM. 4. The bandits have reportedly told the tourist agency in Djanet that tourism is un-Islamic. While AQIM have succeeded in closing down tourism over vast stretches of the Sahara, this is the first incident I know of where there has been a direct instruction to cease tourism. One would imagine that the instruction would be unpopular in places like Agadez, Djanet and Tam where there is little else to the current economy. Now that there has been a direct instruction to close tourism (compared with tourism being damaged as a result of AQIM activities), can we expect attitudes to AQIM in the local community to change? I would have thought so. But will that make any material difference to the fortunes of AQIM? I don't think so. 5. There has been long standing discussion on the Sahara Travel Forum about why no kidpanning has happened in Algeria since 2003. There has been discussion, for example, about the role of the guide in somehow preventing the kidnappings although no one could be clear about exactly how this worked - in other words exactly what it was that deterred AQIM from taking tourists in the presence of guides. That all seems to have changed now. There does not appear to be anything on AQIM's side from stopping AQIM from taking tourists in Algeria in the presence of guides. Clearly AQIM have preferred not to operate in Algeria, but there seems to have been no ideological reason why they did not. Perhaps scarcity of tourists elsewhere have driven them there - in the same way that they had to go to Niamey to find the two French guys. 6. In this case, on the morning before the kidnapping, the tourist returned to Djanet, where the car(s) refueled and then drove out to Alidema. One suggestion is that the tourist was followed or that news on the destination was passed on. In my view it is not possible, when travelling with guides, to keep travel plans and destinations secret. The only way to ensure this is if one were in one's own vehicle and without a guide/cook/driver. But travel without a guide is not permitted in Libya/Algeria/Niger etc. 7. The towns in Algeria (e.g. Djanet and Tam) and some routes away from the borders in Algeria remain secure in my view. AQIM know that the security is too tight this far in to Algeria. But the open desert 70km or so from the border cannot be secure. 8. What does this mean for Libya? My feeling is that AQIM will consider SW Libya fair game. And what about Maroc? |
Several reports seem to suggest it wasn't AQIM as taking a lone woman is un-Islamic, and so therefore the kidnappers were smugglers?
"This would be the first time that al Qaeda has kidnapped a woman alone," said Samer Riad. "This is against (Islamic) sharia rules. We wait to see if al Qaeda ... claims this action." Gunmen kidnap Italian woman tourist in Algeria - World news - Africa - msnbc.com Ennahar Online - An Italian tourist kidnapped by Smugglers in Southern Algeria Gunmen kidnap Italian woman tourist in Algeria | Reuters Personally I think you are at the mercy of whichever local bandit has you in their sights. Take first and see what they can get when they are safely away (which may then be their first contact with AQIM?), so UK, USA, lone man/woman whatever. :( Jason |
I think Richard is right, 14 men in two Toyotas is not smugglers, it is Aqim. Further reports from the incident says they spoke Mauritanian (hassani) and they even claimed to be Aqim.
«Les assaillants seraient d’Al Qaîda» - Actualité - El Watan ” One of them had their faces uncovered. He spoke Arabic Mauritania. ” They ask “where is the group of tourists” and he replies: “There are no tourists here.” The attackers searched the premises and discovered the Italian. They demand the identity papers of three Algerians (the guardian of the site, the guide and a shepherd). “They took away the papers and phones before asking me what agency I worked for. When I told him I was Ténéré of Kherrani, they said: ‘Tell him he must stop this activity. It is contrary to the principles of Islam. ” I wanted to know who he was and his reply was, ‘We Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’. ” What it means? I hope it leads to greater cooperation in the region. Alg can have all the army they like, there's still no safety if there are bands of terrorists just across the border waiting to strike. Like when a number of Alg military were butchered north of Tin Zahouatine last year. This caused great resentment in Tam, but hasn't lead to any changes. Meanwhile, both Niger and Mauri troops have worked out the right of pursuit across the borders with Mali. As for Morocco, it could happen there too. Libya - - the leaders in the region are loosing strength and many things can change in the near future. But I think Algeria's attitude is the greater problem. Now they have announced that the nine-teen year old state of emergency will be lifted - will this have any immediate impact on the situation in the south? |
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Interesting point that t.crickett raises. Perhaps someone who has the language skills can go back to the original article and see if there is any clarity. Details like this can easily become mudied in the translation. Particularly using the automated tools.
Suppose the interpretation is correct (i.e. unislamic of the tourist agency to be escorting a lone woman in the desert), then is it not unislamic for AQIM to be doing the same, against her will? |
Certainly un-coranic attacking or abducting women, esp if they are alone. Only the most salafistic fanatics can justify this act, and perhaps the perpetrators will even encounter resistance from their own, which could hopefully lead to her release.
For the wahhabists of aqim the presence of any westerner in the Maghreb is an abomination and they/we are legitimate targets. Straight from Djanet now: "hier tout les agences chez la police pour relache le guide et le gardien aujourd'hui tout les jeunes font un ensemble devant la police pour la meme raison et tous dans leurs tetes de ne plus laisse arrive ça dans notre region ciao ami" |
This is a brief comment on being 'found' in the desert. Last time I was in Djanet it was just before the Austrian kidnapping in Tunisia (2008). So it had been 5 years since the last kidnapping in Algeria. I was in my own vehicle with a guide. There was only one vehicle. I did the usual things to keep my intentions secret. First, we refueled as soon as we got to Djanet and then we spent another few days in town. We were ready to leave at any time during that period because we had all the things we needed from the start. I didn't tell anyone, including our guide, what the plans were. Then we left for Mount Tiska which is 100 km or so from the area where the most recent kidnapping (Feb 2011) happened. We kept a low profile and found a quiet, secluded valley on the south side of Mount Tiska and slipped in mid to late afternoon. We then went for a walk on the mountain. Once we were quite high on the mountain, two vehicles came in to the campsite - travelling fast. Guys in one of the vehicles covered the other with their rifles while the lead vehicle went in to check things out. Out guide emerged from behind a rock. There were discussions and the vehicles left 15 minutes later. It turned out these were the gendarmarie. The thing that surprised me was the ease with which we were tracked to the campsite. It made me realise that even with our careful plans to keep things secret, we could do nothing about the big XS tyre tracks we were leaving behind.
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I have also been thinking about how to remove tracks in the sand - - have to ask the guides how to do it.
But a good desert scout could probably track you down anyway. |
Malian president talks about Pierre Camatte in leaked cables
WikiLeaks: President of Mali Links Drug Trafficking to Terrorism | Middle East news, analysis, opinions | the Crethi & the Plethi Quote:
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Algeria tourist kidnapping called an error - UPI.com The kidnappers "weren't looking for her but for a group of tourists they had been informed about," Ahmed Kherrani told ANSA. "When the kidnappers came to the camp at Alidena, they asked about a group of tourists," he said. The woman's guides tried to hide her whereabouts, but the bandits found her. |
kidnapping: delay between capture and AQIM responsibility
It has been 10 days since the Italian woman was kidnapped in Algeria.
This is one of the longest delays between capture and acknowledgement of kidnapping by AQIM. Approximate length of delay for other cases are: 10 days (festival kidnapping near Niger/Mali border) 9 days (Spanish in Mari) 1-2 days (Pierre Kamat, Menaka) 2-3 days (Michel Germaneau) 15 days (Arlit) The case of the Austrians in 2008 is hard to pin down - I don't know the actual date they were taken. There seems to be a relationship between the distance from the AQIM camps to the location of the kidnapping and the length of delay until AQIM claim responsibility. In the latest case (the Italian woman in Algeria), it is quite a long way from SE Algeria to NE Mali. But 10 days is still a long delay. I'm wondering if the AQIM leaders are discussing how to deal with a woman on her own. Also, in the previous case (Arlit) AQIM did not release publically the grand demands that they have in previous cases. If we don't hear something soon about the Italian woman, it may be the case that AQIM have changed their established protocols of grand announcements and demands. |
Yes, let's hope for her release. This is the vilest act so far committed by Aqim.
Djanet is suffering. Algeria: Foreign tourists leave early following kidnapping of Italian - Adnkronos Security Quote:
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Editorial in NY Times
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The deaths of four Americans on board a yacht offshore Oman was reported today. They had been taken hostage by 15 Somali pirates who then forced the yacht to sail towards the Somali coast. The yacht was shadowed by a US warship. The fours Americans were killed by the pirates. The US Navy reports that they heard gunfire and decided to board the ship and by the time they arrived the four Americans had been shot. The captured pirates claim they were attacked first and the pirates then killed the hostages.
There could have been little incentive on the part of the pirates to kill their hostages. The hostages are the pirate's safe passage to Somalia (their human shield) and they are their ticket to riches once the pirates get the hostages to dry land. Once dead, the hostages are of no use to the pirates at all. The story is a remarkable parallel to the Niamey incident in which the two young Frenchmen died. They were taken hostage, followed by aircraft and chopper and were most likely killed by their kidnappers as the French army closed in. Could it be the case that the way western powers have decided to approach these incidents has changed? Once the hostages are in captivity in the kidnapper's lair it seems impossible for the western powers to do anything other than pay the ransom. The ransom makes further attacks more likely. Could there be the recognition by western powers that the only option is to strike at the beginning? If so, it does not bode well if you are the one taken hostage. |
In the history of rescue missions there is much more failure then success. It only works well in Hollywood.
The French botched a rescue off the Somali coast when they shot the French skipper; then Niamey. Americans - I think of Teheran -79. Russia - the horror of the school in Beslan, or the theatre in Moscow. Mossad have a better track record, but generally speaking I think if kidnapped one should pray there will be no rescue attempt. According to NY Times there were negotiations taking place on a US Navy ship "but the talks seemed to unravel on Tuesday morning, when a pirate aboard the Quest fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the destroyer. Almost immediately gunfire erupted from inside the yacht’s cabin, Admiral Fox said, and several pirates then stepped up to the bow with their hands up." |
As far as kidnappings go, AQIM has so far stayed out of Libya. Whatever has been keeping them out is likely to have changed now.
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Kidnapping isn't new to North Africa. I am reading an essay about kidnapping and slave trade in the 15th through 19th century. Up to one million Europeans of whom 1,000 were Swedes were taken from ships and from raids along the coasts. They were then sold off to become galley slaves, labor force, mercenaries or concubines. Or they were kept hostage, being released when a ransom was paid. Even as far away as Sweden, people were donating money in the churches to free the slaves on foreign soil.
The pirate ships came from the Barbary Coast, with the three main ports Algiers, Tunis and Tripolis. The pirates were named corsairs, and it is being described in the essay as a result of the warfare instigated by the crusaders against muslim nations. (Personally I think that piracy and slavery goes further back than that - not all evil originates from Europe). Not only the Meditarranean coasts was scavenged by pirates, they went far north in Europe to plunder. In one famous attack on the Icelandic Westmannaeyar in 1627 three pirate ships from Algiers killed 34 and kidnapped 242 out of a population of 500. A local priest wrote a detailed account, Ólafur Egilsson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Even if this was off-topic, there are some interesting parallells to what Aqim is doing today. Research projects - Cultural Sciences Lund University |
For 9 months, no westerner has been kidnapped by AQIM in the Sahara making this the longest hiatus since the kidnappings resumed in 2008. AQIM have been responsible for 10 episodes since early 2008.
The reasons might include: 1) AQIM may have their hands full with the 5 hostages (Arlit and SE Algeria) still in captivity. 2) The French hostages taken in Arlit have been held longer than any since the kidnappings began in 2003. Quick payments are not being made. 3) There are not many western tourists to take - certainly true of the desert in Niger, Mali, Mauri and Algeria. 4) AQIM have been busy fetching arms in Libya and developing strategies for Libya post Gadaffi - watch that space. 5) AQIM has been pushed out of Mauri - Where most of the saharan tourists currently go. 6) They are about to make their next move? |
and developing strategies for Libya post Gadaffi - watch that space...
that's what our friend Keenan thinks according to a rambling article on al jazeera I read the other day. 'Nightmare scenario in the Sahel'. And not just AQIM ('pawns of DRS/USA' acording to JK), but the Tuaregs too (as I mentioned elsewhere from another source). You do get the feeling that the south of Libya could easily become like the north of Mali (or the far northeast of Niger, back in the day), unless they get down there quick and lay down the law. But securing the remote south (for desert tourism among other things - and if it indeed needs securing) is probably not a priority with all that needs doing up north. Ch |
With Lybia droned into oblivion, and AFRICOM finally gaining a foothold on African soil, you don't need to be Jeremy Keenan to envision a very bleak future for Desert Divers & Lovers ...
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Seems to be being attributed to MBM (as it's on the west side?).
Meantime found this update on the 4 French (in the hands of ABZ), one year on: French AQIM hostages still alive (Magharebia.com) Ch |
My guess is that AQIM were after Spanish and Italians - most likely because payments have previously flowed for these nationals. Aid agencies are also more likely to pay than some governments. The recent kidnappings of aid workers in N.Kenya shows this move to be a wider trend. It is also consistent with wanting to remove western influence from North Africa - all the way from the Indian to Atlantic Ocean.
The last few AQIM raids have been on targets that are fixed in space. I think this is because the raids, and the get-away, can be more easily planned. The Italian women in SE Algeria was taken from a popular camp spot. AQIM were expecting many more tourists that night. The Areva mine and Tindouf can be scoped out well in advance - with insiders sharing the details on routines and the extent of security. Taken together, this suggests that tourists in their own vehicles following an unusual route the finer details of which are kept confidential, will be less likely to be targeted. Either way, its turning into a long wait if you do get caught and for British and French nationals, it will be particularly difficult. |
Also yet again they went quite far to find hostages outside of Mali.
Is the Italian woman with Abou Zeid? If so, MBM may have felt short of hostages. Whether the two katibats of AZ and MBM are cooperating and even sharing renevue seems doubtful, they rather appear to be in competition with each other. The camp workers were protected by sahrawi guards, and one was wounded, along with one or more of the hostages. The kidnapping a couple of years ago of three Spanish aid workers were on moving targets, even if it appears to have been planned. Frenchman Germenau kidnapped in Niger could have been a chance encounter in the desert, the kind that could happen to any of us on the piste. |
Now I think about it, I agree the Spanish and Italian were probably targeted as their countries/organisations pay readily. There must be several nationalities of aid workers to choose from in the camps around Tindouf. And as also mentioned, aid workers and the like are sitting targets, though I'm not sure if it's anything as ideological as 'removing western influence'.
Wasn't it claimed that Gadaffi was a broker on many of these deals - paying the ransom in return for concessions from the EU country concerned so the EU country could claim clean hands - or maybe that was years ago. Still, without him around, it may slow such deals down. Just back from an FCO meeting about Sahel security. Mali and Mori were mainly discussed, in particular why does the exclusion zone on the FCO map extend so low below the Niger river in Mali. One theory I heard is that the French and Mali govts are at odds over something and so the French have turned the screws by escalating the security threat right down to Dogon lands to ruin tourism On 19 April the Embassy of France in Bamako (Mali) alerted its nationals of a “very high risk” of being kidnapped in Mali and Niger particularly between the city of Mopti and the border with Burkina Faso. From current FCO Mali page and the Brits, knowing no better, follow suit. And yet Nioro, close to where this attack took place a few days ago, escapes the FCO red zone - or is on the very edge of it. That, and pulling off a raid as far south as Dogonlands (a non-Islamic region, to boot) and escaping back over the river into the desert would be quite a feat. (Apparently the attack a few days ago was more successful that it reads.) It's the age old thing of politics affecting FCO travel advice, though you get the feeling they are well meaning people who can't win either way. See also this and this Though I'm not exactly sure where Wagadou Forest is, to be fair you do wonder how a new AQIM base can spring up so far south in Mali. Plus the fact it’s never been clear that parts of the Malian govt or army were not connected with AQIM’s money making activities. I was also told that broke pro-Gadaffi Malian fighters (Tuaregs?) coming back from Libya are having their weapons bought off them and generally being rehabilitated by the Malian govt, rather than being condemned or ignored. Suggests the Mali govt is not so slack and recognises that bored and broke young men with guns is not a good idea up north. Ch This wont let the FCO feel any better, either. |
Polisario claim they are pursuing the kidnappers and are some 50 miles behind them.
Le Front Polisario aux trousses des ravisseurs - Actualité - El Watan Some harsh words between Mali and Polisario. Aren't any of the Algeria 75,000 desert troops stationed in the west? No kidnappings south of the Niger river so far. edit: the plot may thicken some when we recall that several Polisario members were reported to have been arrested in eastern Mali a few months back with a ton of drugs. The value of these hostages would then compensate for the loss of the drug. Hmmm...I get a headache trying to figure this out. But there is something going on between Polisario and the touaregs, and Polisario and the Malian government. And the general speculation is that this could be part of it. Chris, I haven't found Wagadou on the map but it is supposed to be 50 kms south of Bassiknou. |
Wagadou is some 50 km SSW of Nara, just south of Kaloumba and just north of Mourdiah.
The complex in Rabouni where the three hostages were taken is a place where humanitarians check in after arriving in Tindouf and before leaving for their assignment in the camps, usually nobody stays there for long ... |
Thanks for that, spent ages looking last time it was mentioned and never really pinned it down.
Puts the Wagadou forest here then. You do wonder how or why they have established a base there and expected to get away with it for long. Doesn't look like being immune from Mori army attacks has helped them much. Ch |
That is ridiculously close to Bamako! Makes you think how much Mali has ignored the AQIM issue - particularly when its the Mauri army that is cleaning up there.
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The Wagadou forest reserve is 120 kms across, I am told. Part of it is dense and would provide good shelter for arms caches and whatnot. Now that they were pounded from above and the area was searched by Malian troops perhaps they will give it up and relocate? It is close to Mauretania but also only 400 kms or so from Bamako.
Algerian military looking for the hostages destryoed two 4x4, four dead, near the Malian border. El Khabar |
Fowler speaks out about his time as a hostage in the Malian desert in a new book "A season in hell".
Excerpt from Robert Fowler's book 'A Season in Hell' - The Globe and Mail He firmly believes he was set up by Niger then president Tandja. Niger officials likely set him up for kidnapping, Fowler believes - The Globe and Mail Pic from day 52 out of 130. http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.c...336601cl-8.jpg The negotiator, Baba Ould Sheik, infamous mayor of Tarkint north of Gao http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.c...336759cl-8.jpg Sketchy map of the route they were taken http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.c...c_1336879a.JPG |
I reckon Fowler's book will be well worth reading. Of all those who have been kidnapped, he has been the most analytical about the strategy/modis operandi and so on surrounding the kidnappings. I have been greatly impressed by his interviews I have heard.
When this thread on general speculation of kidnapping tactics was first set up, I felt that there was genuine scope for understanding the methods used and, on the basis of that, minimising the chances of being caught. To a great extent that is still true. But what has changed in the meantime is the general political setting in the Sahara. In short, while the odds of getting caught may be similar now, the chances of a successful outcome are much reduced. This is no time to get caught. The politics are now far too complex. Libya, Gaddafi as the former middle man, Nato, Mali double-dealing, Taureg issues, drug-trafficking, Franco-AQIM relations - all these things mean that it is a real mess out there. It would be a long and most agonising wait - as those who are currently being held are no doubt experiencing first hand. |
Some juicy parts in today's episode:
"In April, 2009, after four months in limbo, the captives learned they were going to be imminently freed or imminently killed. And it was AQIM group leader Mohktar Belmokhtar – nicknamed “Jack” by the Canadians – who would decide their fate. It was then that Mr. Fowler met two negotiators – Burkina Faso’s Mustapha Chaffi and Mali’s Baba Ould Cheik – who were working for their presidents." ... "After everyone had eaten lunch, Jack summoned his full council – nine of them, including Omar Two – to sit beneath a distant tree across the flat open space behind our designated prison, perhaps 300 metres distant. There they sat talking for five interminable hours. Without a doubt, this time it was indeed the jury that was deciding our fate. Jack obviously felt he needed to get formal buy-in from his senior lieutenants and that was not coming easily. While the jury was deliberating, Louis and I discussed the extent to which any of them were really in our corner. There were clearly two schools within the group: One believed that whatever deal was on offer should be rejected, with cataclysmic consequences for us; the other held that it was better than nothing and we should be released. ... Eventually, in the gathering dusk, the members of the council trooped back, right past us, without saying a word or acknowledging our presence in any way. They had their habitually quick dinner and all was quiet. We were on tenterhooks. What had been decided? A couple of long hours later, Omar One emerged from the dark and hunkered down before us. He did not appear happy, but we couldn’t tell if he was angry at us or with some of his colleagues. He was sure as hell angry at Canada. He began by reiterating how perfidious Canada had been throughout the negotiations, stressing the lies he said they had been told and the unfulfilled promises made. He repeatedly insisted, stabbing his finger at me, “They do not want you back. They do not care the least about you. They hope you will stay with us, or, more likely, that we will kill you.” But – and then I suddenly paid close attention – “we will not do that. We have decided to free you, and by God, Canada will feel our wrath.”" ... "Belmokhtar’s troops, fully armed, pressed around all three vehicles facing outward. As soon as the women were loaded, Belmokhtar, standing beside the driver’s window, ordered Baba with a sweep of his hand, “Leave – immediately!” Suddenly Omar One knocked on the passenger window. When Chaffi opened it, Omar, wagging his finger at me, reminded me that on the Day of Judgment I needed to be very clear in my meeting with my maker that he, Omar, had tried valiantly – if unsuccessfully – to guide me to the straight and true path. Then to my utter surprise, Omar Two, who had refused even to acknowledge our departure moments before, thrust his hand through the window and grabbed mine, saying, “I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you will find the true path, so I offer you my hand believing that you will become a brother.” * * * * * Chaffi turned to me and, giving me an uncertain look, asked, “Would you like to know how they would have done it?” “Done what?” I replied. “How they would have killed your friend,” gesturing with his thumb back toward where Louis sat on his tires in the back of the truck, “and then, perhaps, you?” ... To sharpen his focus during those long hours of negotiation, they told him that they had decided they would kill Louis first, in order to get the attention of Canada and the United Nations, before they decided whether I should get the same treatment. They explained that they would have stuffed our mouths with cotton wool and then put tape over our lips to prevent unpleasant sounds being heard on the video and to ensure that there would be no unseemly eruptions of blood from the mouth when the sword was drawn – some practitioners insist that it be done slowly – across our throats." Wow. The day Fowler and Guay’s fate was decided - The Globe and Mail |
Fowler says media attention harmful
Former Canadian diplomat says media coverage 'harmful' during kidnapping |
And from the article in Priffe's post: "The idea that you can write things here that won't impact there is just — in this globalized world — crazy." http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Former+Canadian+diplomat+says+media+coverage+harmf ul+during+kidnapping/5671040/story.html#ixzz1d9CpJbDa Same is probably true of the threads on the Hubb which amount to the most comprehensive collation of Saharan kidnapping that I am aware of. |
Perhaps "Jack" is a Hubb member? :scared:
On the 'map' on the previous page, that perhaps Fowler drew, the 'Camp Canada' is marked verrry close to Bordj Mohktar. And the 'phone call' further west. I think he has it a little wrong there, and they were held further east, east of Tessalit. This is also what I was told when I was in the area, at the same time. We went from Timiaouine south and may have been a stone's throw from the camp. Then they went west near Bordj for the phone call. Makes more sense. |
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I have not read all the recent Canadian press articles, but I seem to recall that was a GSM call he described, hooking up with a nearby Alg network, not a traceable sat call. So it can only be Bordj or Timia.
Any desert town GSM signal won't reach more than 15km, I'd guess. Why drive 400km NW of Bordj to make a phone call, as the map suggests? Its in the biggest GSM hole in Africa. I also recall at the time we narrowed the call down to just south of Timia but looking at GE again, as noted there are lines of dunes only 10-12km west of BBM, but still just inside Mali, so it may well have been there, close to Camp Canada as on his map, which itself is close to Ikhalil (just in Mali, 20km SSE of BBM). So as suggested, the whole map route is too far west and the 'safe' Camp Canada (where he spent most of his time?) must have been well inside east Mali. Ch |
I would put the dune no more than 30km west of Bodj. Mobile signals will travel that far in my experience.
Fowler describes a long drive to get to the dune. I expect that the convoy kept away from the border and so took a a loop south and then NW towards Bordj. This probably made the site of the call seem further west than it really was. I agree that camp Canada is therefore prob also too far west on his map. |
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The Google Earth Image shows the dune field marked out by the yellow line. Bodj is flagged. These are pretty much the only dunes around. Next settlement west is Chengueti in Mauri.
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Fowler map
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So we can redraw the Fowler map something like below.
It's probably all on this forum somewhere, but I suspect the reason it was thought here that Timia village was a likely location for the dune phone call was we knew at the time he was held east of Tessalit (Canada Camp?), and so it seemed the most likely location to go get an Alg GSM signal. Now we know it was a 'long drive' to the phone call, Bordj makes sense. It's a town not a village so must has a stronger GSM signal. In fact I recall even the guys in Ikhalil (20km south) could use it. Ch |
Tamanrasset guide sentenced
The Associated Press: Algeria convicts tour guide in kidnapping plot "ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria's official news agency says a court in the capital has convicted a tour guide on charges he plotted to kidnap a group of European tourists and sell them to the North African al-Qaida affiliate. The APS report says the 36-year-old man, Mohamed Afrokada, was sentenced to five years in prison. The report cites court documents as saying that Afrokada and four other tour guides were behind a 2010 plot to kidnap tourists traveling in the desert Tamanrasset region, in southern Algeria and sell them to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. The documents said that Algerian security forces derailed the plot. The four other alleged plotters fled to Mali, the APS report said." The price was set at €45,000 per tourist. Afrokada fled to Libya where he was apprehended by Libyan secret services and extradited to Algeria in Novemer, 2010. He is Mauretanian http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi...7/newsbrief-02 Anyone knows the name of the agency involved? |
A French colonel was wounded near Gao when his car was attacked and he was shot in the shoulder.
Mali : Un bien étrange négociateur dans la libération des otages français - Mali / France - RFI There is the possibility he was carrying large amounts of cash. He is a mercenary/negotiator working for Areva. |
'El Para' testimony issue spurs Algiers trial delay (Magharebia.com)
Isn't it a little strange that the court will not allow El Para to appear? |
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Kidnapped Europeans, AQIM, and shady dealings in northern Mali al-Wasat – الوسط
Here's a portrait of 'the Director', the french officer and Air France director who was shot and wounded while travelling (probably with Baba Ould Sheik, mayor of Tarkint) near Menaka. Otages français Niger : Rivalités entre négociateurs - actu-match - ParisMatch.com Google trans Ch |
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If I understand the Paris-Match article correctly, back in France all year someone connected the DGSE (ie: you presume the state, but maybe just out for a quick buck) has been intimidating/sabotaging the “engineer” (formerly DGSE, shot the other day near Menaka, AFAICT?). He came in as a rival on the negotiations to release of the Areva 4 by the Air France “director”. But that someone merely wanted “... to obtain a share of the ransom!” which might be put up by Vinci/Areva anyway (so as to keep the state's hands clean). Looks like everyone wants a bite then, not just ABZ, etc. It was written nearly 3 weeks ago but it ended prophetically with: "The French [state?] have set up a security company in Mali which has proposed to members of AQIM that they [quit and] work with it. It also suggests being an intermediary to get their money ... " It could explain 'the geologists'. I did think it was unusual for employees (as opposed to independent tourists) to be assigned to such an area without protection/escorts that these people get everywhere else like Alg oil fields and so on. Especially as it was the French who were warning months ago that the region as far south as Burkina was risky. Another interesting fact: 'Abu Zeid feels that taking hostages is counter-productive to the image of AQIM'... Ch ** 'The engineer' has since been ID'd as ex-Colonel Jean-Marc Gadoullet, according to a few posts on and repeated here. The French slang word barbus/barbouze is suddenly in many headlines: French secret service operative - similar to spook, but less complimentary. |
Rumours...that Iyad Aghally of Niger has created a new movement FPILA for the "Liberation of Islamic Azawad" and joining hands with Aqim - and he was behind the Timbuktu kidnap.
Les forums de Kidal.info || Kidal.info The Malian MNA appears to have lost their domain mnamov.net but they are checking vehicles on their turf, two 4x4 with 13 armed Mauritanians were halted near the Algerian border The French have moved in with helicopters and aircraft, first to Gao, then Timbuktu Ennahar Online French extended the red zone to Nioro - Douentza - Koro |
I know only one Iyad Ag Ghali, the former rebel leader from Kidal who had connections with Jamaat Tabligh from Pakistan and was until last year ambassador for Mali in Saudi. Or is there another Iyad Ag Ghali?
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Same guy, Iyad Ag Ghali and not from Niger, sorry, but I heard he is there now?
Iyad ag Ghali - Wikipédia Rumour is spreading greenpeace magazin: Deutscher in Mali von Entführern getötet - neue Terrorgruppe "A new Islamist terror group is possibly behind the recent kidnapping of Western foreigners in Mali, where a German was apparently killed. The terrorist group being led by former Malian diplomat and President negotiator Iyad Ag Ghali, reported the French Sunday newspaper "Le Journal du Dimanche", citing an unnamed security experts from Niamey" Could very well be desinformation meant to discredit him!! I saw it first on kidal.info Mali : des otages et des barbouzes - leJDD.fr "Northern Mali is again in the news by two almost simultaneous terrorist acts: the kidnapping of two former French mercenaries in a small hotel Hombori between Gao and Timbuktu, on the night of Wednesday, and that of three other Westerners , Timbuktu, Friday, where a fourth tourist was killed. According to one of the best specialists in the region, speaking on condition of anonymity in Niamey, these events are linked to the creation of a new terrorist movement led by a master negotiator of Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure, Iyad Ag Ghali. This former Tuareg rebel leader became an ardent Jihadist after a parenthesis [spell] as a diplomat in Saudi Arabia. Iyad Ag Ghali, described as being ideologically close of AQIM (Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb), has benefited from the return of Libyan Tuareg fighters to form his own armed group. Designated by the Malian authorities to negotiate with AQIM hostages in several cases, he has played such a role in the recent release of three hostages Arlit in northern Niger. A French, ex-Colonel Jean-Marc Gadoullet, 49 [aka 'the engineer; in Paris Match article], shot and wounded Wednesday in the same check-point of the army in northern Mali, would, according to this specialist, supervised the payment of a ransom for release of three hostages: the French Françoise Larribe, married to a part of Areva and two Togolese officials and Malagasy Satom Niger. The new warlord and Gadoullet, ex-action drive the service of the DGSE, became responsible for the safety of Satom Mali, have been "involved" in negotiations with Franco-Malian AQIM. These have resulted, of course, by the release of the hostages, but also by the payment of a ransom that connoisseurs say the case [raised the price] considerably. ... While four French hostages Arlit are still held by the emir of AQIM Abu Zeid, the excolonel Gadoullet was increasingly criticized for his ambiguous role. The former soldier, who served on several continents in covert operations, had indeed developed a private security activity extremely ambitious in the Sahel since the end of 2010. Last April, he defended particularly in Niamey, the colors of Areva, a modest regional outreach project called Phoenix [or: 'proposed to the Nigerian authorities to create a militarized security company that would sell its services throughout the region, called Phoenix.']. The Nigerian authorities have foiled [declined the offer], but Gadoullet has not given up either [the idea]. In Bamako, he resumed his cap VRP private security, very active with groups of AQIM. According to several sources French and Nigerien Gadoullet was then commissioned by France to be the interlocutor of Abu Zeid, and introduced to the Emir by Iyad Ag Ghali at the request of the President of Mali. It is established that at the end of 2010, Abu Zeid was ready to release for free the three hostages, of little value for him, two Africans and a woman. But the negotiations failed when he was about to arrive, sabotaged by the network of contacts Gadoullet. Finally, the release of three hostages in February following cost over 10 million euros, corroborating sources, Areva and Satom. The four remaining hostages are also "put a price on" the sum unheard of of 90 million euros. ... Wednesday at a checkpoint of the Malian army, Gadoullet refused to stop. He was shot and brought back to France. The two mercenaries ['geologists'], who were employed in the 1990 and 2000 in countries where the colonel himself worked, they knew? And have they been removed [kidnapped from Hombori the day after] for this? These events are, in any case, the signal of a growing confusion in the region and a very bad move for Malian and French authorities." (Google translate - a little messy, hope you could make some sense out of it.) So - Gadoullet had €90M in his Landcruiser and was robbed??? And Ag Ghali is the new OBM/Qhadafi?? ?c? [clarifications in [xxx] added to original text. Ch] |
My head starts spinning when trying to read up on french interests in Africa. Some links I had from Maurice Freund.
Jean-Claude Gros director for Africa Air France, Guy Delbrel writer and vice president Pointe-Afrique. Jean-Cyril Spinetta chairman Air France/KLM. For Areva hostages, two competing negotiators - one is Guy Delbrel, the other the 'engineer' Gadoullet. http://www.parismatch.com/Actu-Match...ateurs-351515/ Mali : Un bien étrange négociateur dans la libération des otages français - Mali / France - RFI Otages au Sahel: un Français impliqué dans les négociations blessé au Mali - Libération Jean-Claude Cros et Guy Delbrel | Jeuneafrique.com |
Thanks for all the links to articles Priffe, it's making for some interesting reading :thumbup1:
Mali authorities send envoys to negotiate with Lyad Aghali, others saying he has fled to the mountains from Kidal with armed men and that a rebellion is brewing. Mali seeks talks with former Tuareg leader-sources | News by Country | Reuters |
Salima Tlemcani in El Watan on the trial of Abu Jabal, suspect in the kidnappings 2003
Abou Jabal raconte les négociations autour des rançons et de l’achat d’armement - Actualité - El Watan Lots of interesting stuff, on MBM, how they purchased guns and ammo from Malian military, not least colonel Lamana in Timbuktu (whom they later assasinated). They were offered Douchka guns, but were robbed on the way. And the events of 2003. Also Report de l’audience au 2 janvier 2012 - Actualité - El Watan Since they require login to read the article now, I am copying and pasting the text here as it is most interesting, not least regarding the 2003 events: "Born in 1972 in the town of Sidi Khaled, in Biskra, Abu Jabal, whose real name is Ammar Gharbia, joined the GIA to July 1996, after being convicted (in 1993) for supporting terrorism. This is one of his friends, Al Arkam, whose real name is Mohamed Al Amri, who offered him to join the group Kadadou Mokhtar said Abu Al Humam, emir of the GIA for the region of Sidi Khaled, in Biskra. He was transferred, with a group of new recruits to Jebel Boukhili camp where a phalanx of forty members led by Abu Al Horr (Abila Salah). Here begins his alleged involvement in numerous military operations, including fake roadblocks where thirty people were killed, stolen vehicles and 4x4 trucks, bomb attacks against security forces and ambushes against the Customs. Katiba its bigger and more than 90 elements. In early 1998, the emir of Zone 9 to the GIA, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, brings together all the numbers in this area and installs them in the mountains. Two months later, he led a group of 25 terrorists, including Abu Jabal, to lead an ambush against elements of Antar Zouabri at Jebel Bou Saada. The "exploits" are increasing. In early 1999, he went for the first time in Niger, with 35 other terrorists led by Mokhtar Belmokhtar. The group installs camps in the north and for three months, conducts military training provided by Abu Ishak and Hicham. The stolen truck in Algeria are sold at a rate of 4 million CFA francs to a Nigerian of an Arab tribe. In July of that year, he heads for the border between Algeria and Mali and flies in Algerian territory, a 4x4 belonging to doctors. It recovers the trucks he had buried under the sand before returning to Niger. The terrorists remain there some time before Belmokhtar does not give them the order to return to Jebel Boukhili. Along the way, they commit many attacks, including the killing of four security guards of Sonatrach, which they take their arms and fly several all-terrain vehicles and trucks. Arriving in Niger, they are five items from Sidi Ali Bounab in the camp. This is the Communication Officer Ayoub, Billal Oulbani, Messaoud to El Para, Messaoud and Daoud sent to offer Belmokhtar unification of the ranks under the banner of the GSPC. Belmokhtar and contacts with officers in Mali In January 2000, Abu Jabal is charged with two other terrorists, Abu Ishak and Bashir, 3000 to recover the ammunition hidden units near Jbal Boukhili and give them to some Daoud, the GSPC, to be delivered to Hassan Hattab. After his joining the GSPC, Belmokhtar moves along with 16 "men", including Abu Jabal, Niger. During the trip, the group seized a truck (hidden under the sand), tires and a generator. Their arrival coincides with the preparation of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Abu Ayoub Al reached by phone Moughtareb Mohamed, a native of Ghardaia, resident in Britain. He asks the crossings of the participants in this race. But the Nigerian authorities find these and trigger a military operation. The group is forced to return home. In an ambush by Belmokhtar against smugglers of cigarettes, Abu Jabal breaks a leg. The injury did not prevent him from taking part in an ambush against seven customs. Some time later, the group returns with Belmokhtar Niger. Transactions with the captain of the Malian army Lamana In late 2001, Abu Jabal is charged by his boss to get in touch with the Malian officer to purchase ammunition. He moves with a $ 6 million CFA francs, on board a Toyota, with two terrorists, including Osama (an element sent by the terrorist group active in Britain) and Mohamed Sidani. The vehicle arrives in Niamey, where Osama is filed, before joining Niger-Mali border it crosses with false identity papers. Abu Jabal goes to the house of Captain Lamana (this officer was assassinated by an armed group that has invested his house in July 2009, when he was with his wife and children) in Timbuktu. He stayed there three days before speaking of the transaction for the purchase of 3,000 rounds of ammunition. The goods are transported and transferred from Mauritania to Mali. Mokhtar Belmokhtar and 12 other terrorists join the emissaries and negotiate the price, stopped at 1.5 million CFA francs. Abu Jabal returns with Sidani Mohamed, Abu Ishak and Captain Lamana traveled to Timbuktu when they stay 25 days during which they make provisions and take the opportunity to sell two trucks to 30 million francs CFA. In this region, some of Omar Timbuktu offers Belmokhtar of heavy weapons, Doutchka, and the latter charge and Abu Ishak Abu Jabal Omar to accompany to Timbuktu to see the merchandise and buy it. Once on the scene, they are challenged by two Secret Service agents in Mali. The man named Omar intercedes. It takes two Algerians home of Captain Lamana. One of the two officers accompanying them. Once at home, the master ordered the latter to leave. After a lengthy private discussion with the captain, Omar Abu Jabal informed of the failure of the transaction for the purchase of weapons. The emissaries left Timbuktu. But along the way, they are subject to an attack and lose all their money. 43 000 rounds of ammunition purchased and transported to the Algerian border In early 2002, the group of Abu Jabal is in northern Niger. Sidani Mohamed arrives, accompanied by a certain Abu Mohamed Imad Eddine Al Yemani, emir of Al Farouq training camp in Afghanistan. He is sent by Osama bin Laden in order to inquire the way of Islamic groups in Algeria. Ten days later, Sidani arrives with another terrorist, Abu Osama of Blida, an emissary of the terrorist group active in Britain, came to meet Hassan Hattab. Abu Jabal said that it was during this period that Belmokhtar 4 dispatch terrorists to the Mauritanian border to buy 40,000 rounds of ammunition from a Djaâfer, a Nigerian Arabic. In 2002, the band decided to bring the goods to Djbel Boukhili, Algeria. The 43,000 pieces are loaded on three Toyota vehicles. At the border with Mali, terrorists attacked a convoy of cigarette smugglers and steal the fuel. Some of the stolen 4x4 are hidden under the sand. Loading reaches its destination and the group returns to Niger. The many 4x4 trucks and bring them stolen more than 7 million CFA francs. Another Nigerian of an Arab tribe, Djaâfer, helps the group make contact with an arms dealer Mauritania, Mohamed Al Mauritania, he meets at the border between Mauritania and Mali. In consideration of the cargo Doutchka, the group has four vehicles Hilux. These are taken, but the weapons never delivered. 4 million euros to free German hostages In 2003, Abu Jabal returned to Algeria with his group and took part in an ambush against a vehicle of Customs. One of the occupants was killed, another taken alive and handed over to cigarette smugglers in northern Mali. Immediately after, Abu Jabal and his companions head for the border between Mauritania and Mali to buy fuel and supplies. Lemghyti reached, they meet Abderrazak El Para, emir of Zone 5, along with 47 elements. He asks them to help secure the operation of German hostages delivered. They accept and follow up to Kidal in northern Mali. Abderrazak puts Abu Jabal and Abu Zahra (brother of Abdelhamid Abou Zeid) one of the hostages, Christian, was used for the negotiations from a Thuraya phone. Abu Jabal and his companions join the city of Sbiti followed two days later by Abderrazak El Para along with nine terrorists to negotiate with the hostage for the release of other tourists in return for a ransom. On the line, the wife of Christian that mediates. During this period, two Arabs from Niger to call Abderrazak El Para 1500 pieces of ammunition Doutchka before returning to the place where the hostages are held. In late 2003, while Abu Jabal and his companions kept the ten hostages, two Tuareg tribal leaders, Iyad Ag Ghali and Brahim Ag Bahanga (deceased), arrive at the camp and offer their services to deliver the hostages to the Malian authorities . An offer Abderrazak El Para accept in exchange for a ransom of 4 million euros. Immediately after, the governor of Gao reduces the amount required and take hostages. Abu Jabal leave with the group to the Mauritanian border to buy weapons and ammunition. Travel to Chad and end of the run He returned to camp Abderrazak El Para and his companions, including Abu Zeid. With the latter, he took the road to the border to deliver arms to Algeria. The group goes through Niger and a few kilometers from the border, he fell into an ambush by the PNA. It was early 2004. All vehicles are destroyed and killed many terrorists. Abu Jabal managed to abscond with some of the survivors. Abderrazak El Para 3 sends terrorists to their aid for delivery to Niger. Arriving in Niger, Abu Jabal is 25 Nigerians recruited by Abderrazak El Para. All will spend nearly a month in northern Niger before El Para did ask them to go to Chad to buy weapons. They are 47 to start the race on board 5 Toyota, 3 of which are equipped with DCA. On their way, their Nigerian military ambush. They manage to cross the border with Chad in the direction of the mountains of Tibesti, where a Chadian military patrol shot at. During the hanging, Abu Jabal receives impacts from grenades in the back. It folds with two Nigerians to take refuge in the mountains before being captured by the rebel Chadian Movement for Democracy and Justice (MTDJ) leading the three men to their headquarters. At the scene, they discover Abderrazak El Para with several other terrorists. Abu Jabal is immediately imprisoned along with other terrorists for three months, before being joined by another group of seven elements. During his captivity, he received a reporter of the French channel Canal + came to do an interview. A Chadian Arabic, Sidi Larbi, now general in the ranks of the Chadian army, acted as interpreter. The interview focuses on the reasons for the group's presence in Chad, the objectives of the terrorist organization in Algeria and the relationships it has with those that activate in France. During this period, three of his companions, namely Medjahed Oued Souf, M'sila Yasser Abu Feras Mali, Abu Houdeifa, Issam Abu Djendel Nigeria and Mauritania are presented by Chadian rebels to the Libyan authorities in return for 300 000 euros and 3 Toyota. More than a month after other terrorists - Abu Abdellah Batna, Abu Bakr, a Tuareg from Mali and Nigeria-Sadik are delivered to Libya. Salima Tlemçani" ---------- Salima link now needs log in - view here instead Ch |
...discussion continued from this post in Timbuktu thread
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Some examples are: 1) Spanish taken from the tar-road in Mauri - my guess is AQIM were expecting them and were reading the blog on the internet to get the timing right 2) Italian woman from SE Alg - taken from a frequently used camping spot in SE Algeria - here a discussion with local guides prior to the abduction would have taken place - no tipoff on the day as AQIM were disappointed to only find one tourist 3) Niamey restaurant - known as a likely spot to find westerners, then additional tip off needed to give the green light that particular evening. AQIM may well have been waiting outside town for a few days prior. 4) Canadian diplomat in Niger - in this case it seems like the travel details were leaked and the abductions planned days in advance 5) Arlit Niger - planned days/weeks in advance with westerners known to be in mine compound day after day One of the articles in today's postings show that even in 2003 AQIM (as they were later to be called) were researching the Paris-Dakar route via a mate in the UK. Somehow a daylight abduction from T'tou does not surprise me greatly. It may even be easier to get away during daylight hours. All the AQIM needed to do was to make sure that there were no choppers nearby that could chase them. They would have known about those odds. It was expected that AQIM would have an enhanced ability to defend their HQ given the SAMs taken from Libya. Perhaps these recent attacks show that AQIM is more confident in defending their camps from choppers with their newly acquired kit from Libya. I wouldn't plan a Saharan trip at the moment, but if I were intending to go, then I would still not expect to be abducted if following an usual route with unpredictable timings of departure/arrival in towns and, of course, keeping those visits to a minimum. I reckon the safest trip is in one or two western cars in Algeria with one guide who does not have a satellite phone. That way the visitor can control the route and timings sufficiently to keep things unpredictable. And with no sat phone in the guide's hands, updates beyond the party will not be easily made. As I have said before, the chances of getting taken on a trip like this are still quite low. The problem now is that there is too much upheaval in the previously established chains of negotiation which are necessary for safe release. It is because of the latter that I would stay clear as the prospect of time in detention annuls any enjoyment one might derive from the trip in the first place. |
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My reading is that we are seeing an expansion of AQIM confidence in the region. They haven't been troubled much since they settled down in 2003 and have meanwhile had several successful abductions. They are better equipped than ever and are not concerned about what Mali thinks. In short, the pact if there were one, is history. AQIM feel in charge of the desert. |
My purely speculative take is something like this: the Malian state gave away the country north of the river a long time ago. Too big, too expensive, too dangerous at times and nothing there apart from a salt, sand and the lands of the despised Tuareg to the NE (a parallel with Niger). In between rebellions some of the Kel Ifoghas may have been engaged in their own innocuous contrabanding - doubtless as across many remote borders RTW where the price of commodities is so disparate. Then the GSPC (later AQIM) moved in and upset things with their kidnappings, etc.
Don't know how the Taounenni Basin oil thing fits in, but you'd think it would be critical the way things are, or will be in times to come. The local pact, if there was one, was between Timbuktu Tuareg (Kel Ansar) to have their tourist opportunities (music festival, etc) left undisturbed while the storm raged all around and the commercants in town got on with business, legit or otherwise, possibly with Tuareg guiding, GSPC protection or whatever. Elements of the Algerian, Malian and Moroccan states (most probably generals and minsters) are in on it - that is how it prevails to this day. I dont suppose it's so different from many other countries (Egypt, Pakistan, former Ghaddafi clan) and now we are told (IIUC) some French DGSE bloke wanted his bite [of the €90m ransom]! Mori seem not to be signed up - or have their own thing going. And I think stakes have been raised still higher in recent years by the much greater quantity of South America cocaine landing in Africa via Bissau (govt on the take) and so on. High demand and lots more easy money to be made per kilo than with cigs, refugees or arms. Only partly revelant, but I thought this quote here by Hugh Roberts summed it up well: Quote:
Could all be rubbish, of course! Ch PS: 'My dear compatriots' Mali president ATT's appeal (2 days ago) following Hombori and Timbuktu events: Google Translate Quote:
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Fascinating article that Salima Tlemcani one.
Paints a whole knew picture of the busy prelude to 2003. Who knows if it may have the hand of the Alg DRS, but if nothing else, I recognise the name of the hostage, Christian. We met him and two other bikers in Tam a week or two before they got grabbed. Ch |
Great articles guys keep them coming.
William Hague reckons the UK is co-funding a militray base on the Alg-Mali border....any more news on this? EU police, experts to counter al Qaeda in Africa-UK | News by Country | Reuters |
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The lifestyle - robbing anyone who gets in their way, like cigarrette smugglers or douaniers, taking their fuel/cargo/vehicles, sometimes shooting one or a few if they don't behave. Hiding cars in the sand, selling them to arab traders anywhere between mauri border and niger. Sounds like a good part of their business used to be stolen vehicles. You won't expect to read anything involving alg military or the DRS from the trial, but there is a struggle from the defenders and perhaps the judges to get El Para to appear before the court - for the legal process it is of course an outrage that they wont let one of the leaders appear. And this is the first time we get first-hand accounts of what the malian military has been up to, right? There was always rumours. Selling anti-aircraft guns and ammo to the very people they're supposed to fight? And then setting them up to be robbed? That colonel Lamana really had it coming. Snapped up message where a touareg says he was asked by a friend to go kidnapping a french road engineer working for Satom. http://fr.groups.yahoo.com/group/Explo4x4/message/58863 Also that his village was attacked and the government has put the lid on. I've heard Kidal touaregs saying that their real anger is aimed at France. |
El Khabar - The three kidnapping outfits of Abou Zeid
The three kidnapping branches of Aqim. Rather, two of them under AZ and one under MBM. WARNING OF IMMINENT KIDNAPPING THREATS IN MAURETANIA, BURKINA, NIGERIA. This based on information gathered from arrested suspects in Algeria, concerning cells esp. in Mauretania. Security strengthened in the south http://fr.elkhabar.com/?Renforcement...a-securite-des "El Khabar has learned from informed sources that the staff of the army and the command of the gendarmerie had sent a letter to their commands to Illizi and Tamanrasset in the adoption of a new military strategy to secure movement of foreign nationals on the axes and roads and tourist sites of the two regions mentioned, following the spate of abductions of foreigners by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. Our sources indicated that the ground and aerial surveillance has been strengthened in some areas and difficult routes of the Sahara, and the strengthening of security units and intervention of the national police and the security of tourist spots. And travel groups and exit of tourists especially in the region of Djanet and there are many activities and tourist or tourists stay longer, same for the regions' Timiaouine "and Beja Bordj Mokhtar, on the border between the wilaya of Adrar and Tamanrasset, and the regions of Ain Guezzam, Tin Zouatene on the border with Mali and Niger." Very well, if only they could now do something more pro-active in N Mali. http://af.reuters.com/article/algeri...111128?sp=true "We are stepping up our efforts to counter terrorism in the Sahel region and to support economic and political development," said Hague, who last month became the first British minister to visit Mauritania. Britain is working with France and other European allies to develop an effective EU approach to security and development in the Sahel, he said. Plans were at an early stage for a small EU mission in the Sahel region, focusing on policing, security, infrastructure development and regional training, he said Hague said that Britain was co-funding a military and police base on the Mali-Algerian border as well as emergency planning training in Mali and Niger. "We are also working closely with Nigeria to combat the threat of terrorism," he said." The paradox of the Algerian passivity is that it leads to an increased European presence, which is exactly what they do not want. "On the Mali-Algerian border" - where would that be? Ikhlil? :) One result of the increasing problems is that finally something may happen. We hope. |
Deux terroristes arrêtés en Algérie avouent "l'imminence" d'autres enlèvements au Sahel - Monde - Nouvelobs.com
"Other kidnappings were "imminent" in the Sahel, according to the confessions of two terrorists of Algerian nationality, arrested a week ago by the Algerian security services as part of their investigation into the abduction of three humanitarian European (two Spanish and one Italian) on October 23 in the Sahrawi refugee camp in Tindouf Rabouni. The Arabic daily Al Khabar, citing the Algerian security services, reported Tuesday that information. The security services have succeeded in dismantling the group, composed of 11 members, including the two authors of the confession, which provided assistance and information to the kidnappers of the three European humanitarian, says this source. Still according to the confessions of two men arrested, the increase in kidnappings of foreigners in the Sahel in recent times is due to "fierce competition between the three cells of abduction" set up by the bloody Emir Abou Zeid, head a brigade of AQIM in southern Algeria. This is the first of these cells, composed of Algerians and whose leader is called Mohamed Jaber, who is behind the last three kidnappings in the Sahel, while the second cell, run by Mauritanians, is preparing it to commit other hostage, said "Al Khabar", always citing the Algerian services. The newspaper said the second cell "Mauritania", led by a certain Haji Abu Gharbi, a trained engineer and polyglot, would be responsible for kidnappings in the Sahel and northern Mali. The third cell is composed of such elements not directly related to Al Qaeda and its activities are coordinated by the emir of southern Algerian Mokhtar Ben Mokhtar. It was she who had taken the special envoy of UN Secretary General to Niger Robert Fowler, AQIM hostage for several months before his release in April 2009. AP" Doesn't make total sense, but FWIW. |
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Full story here. |
Mauretania taking hard line stance at the meeting of 10 defence ministers in Nouakchott
AFP: Don't pay ransom for Qaeda hostages, says Mauritania |
Are some people worth more than others?
Pour la France, certains otages d'Aqmi valent plus que d'autres | Rue89 Delory's sister accuses France: the two kidnapped were sacrificed Les deux otages tués au Niger ont-ils été sacrifiés par la France*? | Rue89 French organisation for victims of terrorism Association francaise |
What is the current situation?
So what is the current situation on the Algerian route through Tam and down into Niger? I'm thinking about a 4x4 trip this coming winter. Is it safe or is it definitely a no-go?
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South of Algeria visa situation unclear, north of Niger is a no-go at this time
but see other more pertinent threads such as http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-algeria-57191 http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-from-lp-61206 Things may change quickly and without notice |
Robert Fowler's book
Don't know what took me so long but I recently read Robert Fowler's book on their kidnapping ordeal in 2009. Reviewed here (with another book) and a fascinating read. Sketch map of their north Mali camp below
For the first time (in English) you get a compelling and detailed account of what it's like to be grabbed and kept in the Sahara for months. I also happened to come across 2003 abductee Rainer Bracht's account summarised and archived on motorrad magazine's website in three parts (starts here or see the bottom of the page linked above for translations). It was all happening early 10 years ago (remember this thread...) but I never quite worked out where Group II went and how they got there until I read motorrad or clocked the top map below. Ch http://deserttravels.files.wordpress...oute.jpg?w=300 http://deserttravels.files.wordpress...can1.jpg?w=300 |
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