I think what we are seeing is people coming back from Libya looking for lucrative action.
The Hombori kidnappers were tuaregs (they spoke tamasheq) and Malians believe they came from Burkina, and went back that way.
According to maliweb.net: Trois Européens enlevées
the victims in T'too were two Australians and one Dutchman and the man who was shot American... soon enough we will know their correct nationalities.
The restaurant where they were taken is on the square by Flamme de la Paix monument; from there it is a beeline to the dunes. Still it was a bold action, almost stupid - similar to the kidnapping in downtown Niamey. Are they trying to make a statement?
If these kidnappers think they can start selling hostages wholesale to Aqim, think again. The logistics for keeping a large number of hostages (like in 2003) must be a daunting task, with negotiations going on in all directions.
If they are running this as a business for themselves, that is very different story. And perhaps it can be dealt with internally?
Last edited by priffe; 27 Nov 2011 at 00:34.
|