Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Western tourists attacked in Mauritania Western tourists attacked in Mauritania
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
Page 1 of 14 1 234567891011121314
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
Western tourists attacked in Mauritania
NOUAKCHOTT, Nov. 29, 2009 (Reuters) — Unknown assailants attacked a group of Western tourists in Mauritania Sunday, according to diplomatic sources in the capital Nouakchott

One of the sources said the group was thought to be Spanish but no confirmation of their nationality or the nature of the attack was immediately available.
(Reporting by Laurent Prieur; editing by Mark John)


I just read it and i am planning trip to pass from Morroco to Gambia....Now i really worry much more!!!!!!!!!

Anyone knows more info?

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Nov 2009
boniyam's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Belgium
Posts: 15
hmm, now i'm worried too.
Just ignore it?
__________________
Morocco video & photo.
yamaha tenere '08 & BMW R1200 GSa '09
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by boniyam View Post
hmm, now i'm worried too.
Just ignore it?

i don think it will help... they had guns and stopped them while driving....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Four Spaniards feared kidnapped in Mauritania | Markets | Hot Stocks | Reuters

MADRID, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Four members of a Spanish humanitarian group are missing in Mauritania and may have been kidnapped, Spanish state news agency EFE said on Sunday.

Three men and a woman working for Catalan-based NGO Barcelona-Accio were believed to have been seized at gunpoint while travelling in a convoy of vehicles, the agency said.

EFE said other members of the convoy heard shouting and when they went to the vehicle in which the three had been travelling, they had disappeared.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
AFP: Three Spanish tourists kidnapped in Mauritania: diplomat

Three Spanish tourists kidnapped in Mauritania: diplomat
(AFP) – 1 hour ago
NOUAKCHOTT — Three Spanish tourists were kidnapped on Sunday in northwestern Mauritania on the road linking the capital Nouakchott to the city of Nouadhibou, a Spanish diplomatic source said.
"Three tourists have been kidnapped, including a woman," the source said on condition of anonymity. "They were in a car, the last vehicle of a convoy that was heading from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott."
The source said the convoy had earlier delivered aid to Nouadhibou and was transporting donations that they intended to drop off in various towns along the route.
A security source also confirmed "the kidnapping of tourists" by armed men in a 4x4 vehicle near the town of Chelkhett Legtouta. Mauritanian authorities were searching for the kidnappers, the source said.
The incident came days after a French citizen was kidnapped in the northeast of neighbouring Mali.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
we are screwed...



Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
Quote:
Originally Posted by mlock View Post
we are screwed...
Not yet

this could work in your favour as there will now be military swarming over the area and tightened security everywhere.

Next time the bandits will strike elsewhere.

We passed through a few days after the French family was murdered 2007
we were even in Aleg feeling safe since awareness was heightened

ps - so Richard was partly right, it happened in Mauri - - - but they (the bad guys) mostly strike where you don't expect them to, right?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Nov 2009
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 957
A geography question for Sahara veterans
Chris and others, not too long ago I volunteered some information regarding the abduction of a foreign tourist couple in Tunisia. I hit the mark on direction of travel and the way the dress of couple after they were taken, long before the the facts became evident in the international press. I also predicted the couple would be released alive, they were.

I was asked, ordered, to give my sources or take flight to the HU bar with my observations. I did so.

This time, I will approach the topic in a more appropriate manner. I have a simple question, based on observations from the same undisclosed source.

Are there any remote caves or underground tunnels/facilities in the desert? Caves or underground tunnels that might have multiple secrete/hidden entrances and exits? Old mining sites or archeological digs? Just a thought regarding the location of the recent kidnap victims, right now.

This is not a whim but a well reasoned question. If such little known natural/man made geographical features exist it would be helpful for me to have GPS locations.

Thank you

Eat, Drink and Be Careful xfiltrate
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Last edited by xfiltrate; 30 Nov 2009 at 14:25. Reason: time: posted at 1 AM Monday 30nov09 Buenos Aires time
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
There is the Choum railroad tunnel...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: the sahara
Posts: 21
Sounds to perfect to not be related...:

Mauritania Arrests 3 Suspected Terrorists, Tahalil Hebdo Says






By Hannah Armstrong


Nov. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Mauritanian security forces arrested three men accused of joining the terrorist group Al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, the Mauritanian daily Tahalil Hebdo reported today.
The group has claimed responsibility for attacks in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott this year, the murder of American citizen Christopher Leggett on June 23 and a suicide bombing in front of the French Embassy on Aug. 8 that wounded three.
President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz vowed in his August inauguration speech to improve national security. Since then, France and Spain have pledged to help the security forces crack down on terrorism, smuggling and trafficking. Al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb is based in the rugged Sahel region spanning Niger, Mali, Mauritania and Algeria.
Mauritania Arrests 3 Suspected Terrorists, Tahalil Hebdo Says - Bloomberg.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
More news here (in Spanish - Google trans here) (it updates as the original El Pais page changes).

Ch
Last edited by Chris Scott; 30 Nov 2009 at 23:39.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 35
If i understood right, that happend in the major road??????

Totally not safe to ride alone on bike after that....
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Nov 2009
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 957
Another insight...
According to the El País, article (in Spanish) referenced by Chris, the victims were of director/executive status. Usually, the Spanish use paid volunteers "cooperanntes," for convoys.

This operation seems to have had specific targets with "inside" intel.

It is not common for high level executives to travel with Spanish aid convoys.

Where is the Choum railroad tunnel?

I just noted from the El País article that one of the victims is director of a business that constructs tunnels, perhaps his expertise was needed by the hostage takers.

Will have more tonight.

Eat, Drink and Be Careful xfiltrate
__________________
Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina
Last edited by xfiltrate; 30 Nov 2009 at 15:11. Reason: Time: 11 AM 30nov09 Buenos Aires time
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
There is a gold mine in Akjoujt (in 97 it was still exploited, Don't know is stoll today). Old, abandoned Cooper mines too.
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Nov 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
I'm not a mining engineer but...
AFAIK these Akjoujt mines (still extant) are simple, open cast 'surface scraping/blasting' operations, no?

Same in much of the Sahara like Arlit and Zouerat and Bou Craa and all the salt mines.

It's the whole point. Out there you don't need to dig down with the time, expense and danger, you just keep looking on the surface. Something economically viable will eventually turn up on the desert floor, especially with cheap local labour.

I could be wrong but I have to say I find this talk of tunnels (we heard it before in 2003) and kidnapping tunnel execs a bit on the far side. Choum railway tunnel (the only one in the country?) was, I suspect, a joke...

Funnily enough only the other day I passed on here how many tedious checkpoints there now were on this very road. Clearly not enough.
Anyway, I hope it ends well for the 3 Spanish - and the French guy too.

Ch
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 14 1 234567891011121314

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 7 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 7 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
Western Sahara and Mauritania Chris Garden North Africa 10 11 Jan 2009 20:28
Mauritania -> Western Sahara Spring 08 zurstadt North Africa 0 1 Oct 2008 19:37
western sahara to Noadhibou, Mauritania Dominic1 North Africa 3 21 May 2003 05:25
western sahara and mauritania manuafrica North Africa 4 10 May 2003 23:02

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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 01:13.

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