Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
General speculation on Saharan kidnapping tactics General speculation on Saharan kidnapping tactics
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree1Likes

Closed Thread
Page 5 of 14 1234 5 67891011121314
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #61  
Old 17 Feb 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,913
Hi Ulrich, yes I heard that story too.
Would she not be a Berabish or do you consider that the same thing as Tuareg (as some like to do - not so sure myself).
It seems the Berabish call the shots down there.

Ch
  #62  
Old 17 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Who is a Tuareg?
As tuaregs are often held responsible for every bad incident in the desert, it would be good to know - who are they?

From my limited knowledge, there are no tuaregs in Morocco or Mauretania. There are¨sahrawi, maures and various bedouin tribes (sometimes in Mali called Berabish).
In Morocco there were berber in the desert wearing blue, but I doubt they were really tuaregs, even as they insisted...same thing in Tunisia.

edit: even in this very thread you find those tired unsubstantiated generalisations:
"It is very possible that were kidnapped by Tuaregs, since the sale of drug and the traffic of weapon to what the tuaregs were devoting themselves this one very chased(prosecuted) by the government of Mauritania, for what the Tuaregs, they have decided to kidnap western them to sell to Al Qaeda and to extract money with his sale."
Tuareg = desert dwelling bandit


Tuareg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Volkswagen owns the trademark, that much I know.
Last edited by priffe; 22 Feb 2010 at 01:24.
  #63  
Old 22 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Since Chris did this lovely map why not check it out at

Kidnappings in the Sahara since 2003


If there is a pattern, I can't see it. Other than that the bad guys wanted to demonstrate that they could strike anywhere.
  #64  
Old 23 Feb 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
* Algeria condemns Mali's release of four al Qaeda suspects

* Al Qaeda had demanded release to spare French hostage

* Security official: anti-al Qaeda cooperation in disarray ...

... Salima Tlemcani, a security expert with Algeria's El Watan newspaper, told Reuters that Mali's release of the four al Qaeda suspects was "a knife in the back of neighbouring countries."
Reuters - Algeria recalls envoy from Mali over Qaeda row

Ulrich
  #65  
Old 25 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
First comments are coming back from Monsieur Camatte following his release. Nothing we don't already know (isolation, bad food, bad water, tough times). Also mentioned in the article is a commitment from France to help Mali in a campaign against AQ-IM. If they are going to succeed, they'd better get a move on. Two weeks ago the French announced that they were closing their military base in Senegal, one of three main military bases that the French have in the Sahel. Perhaps they might redeploy in Mali?

France backs Mali in anti-terror fight: News24: Africa: News
Last edited by Richard Washington; 25 Feb 2010 at 12:24.
  #66  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
AQIM makes a lot of money in the Sahel. It has become a strong link to Al Qaeda mother.
L'Expression - Al Qaîda rebondit et renfloue ses caisses

Gogoonisch - E

Ulrich
  #67  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
I was surprised to hear Monsieur Camatte labelled as a French agent. The evidence wasn't strong, but then such agents are not normally identified, even by mistake. From the French perspective, there is value in claiming that he is an agent, even if he isn't. AQ-IM are now constrained to assume that they have been compromised - that their comings and goings, their approximate location, their day to day routine and the kind of backup (including kit) that they have to hand are known to a specialist. Taken from this perspective, kidnapping is a risky business for AQ-IM.
Last edited by Richard Washington; 28 Feb 2010 at 15:48.
  #68  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
OTOH if Aqim had known he was a spy they would surely have let us know, as it would somewhat justify their kidnapping.
Who is a spy? A full-time agent working under cover, or perhaps someone who occasionally has provided information to the SS while he was plying his trade (such as looking for a natural malaria treatment)? He was allegedly named as an agent by one of his superiors, but question remains what that means.
Last edited by priffe; 28 Feb 2010 at 20:14.
  #69  
Old 28 Feb 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
OTOH if Aqim had known he was a spy they would surely have let us know, as it would justify their kidnapping someone who is not a civilian.
True -I agree. But this doesn't really alter the point that AQ-IM *now* have to consider the fact that they may have had someone in camp who was trained to evaluate them. We can expect that all those who have been freed in the past have been questioned by intelligence. If not, then why not? The intelligence one gets from a trained person would be better.
  #70  
Old 1 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
WASHINGTON — Al-Qaida's terror network in North Africa is growing more active and attracting new recruits, threatening to further destabilize the continent's already vulnerable Sahara region, according to U.S. defense and counterterrorism officials.

The North African faction, which calls itself Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), is still small and largely isolated, numbering a couple hundred militants based mostly in the vast desert of northern Mali. But signs of stepped-up activity and the group's advancing potential for growth worry analysts familiar with the region. ...

... The militants often partner with local criminals, who kidnap tourists then sell them to AQIM, which then demands ransoms, officials said. Those alliances cement contacts between the criminal groups and AQIM, broadening its reach and membership.
AP - Al-Qaida growing in strength and numbers in Africa

Ulrich
  #71  
Old 2 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Algeria Travel Advice
Damn, didnt notice before but now the British FCO say no travel at all south of Arak (on the TSH between In Salah and Tam)....frustrating!

Algeria travel advice
  #72  
Old 2 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
^ They changed the advice back to beng okay almost as soon as I wrote that last post! Great news:

Algeria travel advice
  #73  
Old 6 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
Should governments and employers negotiate with kidnappers? If they do not, how can they free hostages?
rfi - Hostage-taking - should you pay?

Ulrich
  #74  
Old 6 Mar 2010
Ulrich's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In the heart of Bavaria
Posts: 406
Quote:
A terrorist from the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, and a prominent member of the « fringe of the Sahara » had surrendered several days ago to security services of a province on the border with Niger, before being transferred last week to Algiers where he made very serious statements about the dealings of the leaders of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat and the French intelligence services.
Ennahar - Abu Zeid agrees to ensure the safety of the French in the Sahel

Ulrich
  #75  
Old 7 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Africom in Gao
Was this recent military exercise kept quiet? Do people think the Americans are taking the AQIM threat more seriously?

AFRICOM Photo Gallery
Closed Thread
Page 5 of 14 1234 5 67891011121314

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
More on Saharan geopolitics Richard Washington North Africa 1 12 Jun 2008 21:21
Kidnapping in Ethiopia (Afar) Yellowrat Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 18 Mar 2007 22:10
Niger - Chad: some bandits and a possible kidnapping Richard Washington North Africa 19 16 Oct 2006 11:23
Saharan loop trotters North Africa 7 17 Jun 2004 21:25
Speculation! Chris Smith Which Bike? 4 14 Oct 2002 00:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:06.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top