ALGIERS: Two Algerian diplomats kidnapped in Mali in April 2012 by the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) were freed on Saturday, the Algerian foreign ministry announced.
A third diplomat, consul Boualem Sayes, had died in captivity “from a chronic illness”, the ministry said.
It did not say whether Mourad Guessas and Kedour Miloudi had been released by their kidnappers or had been freed in a military operation.
The ministry did say, however, that Algeria had not paid a ransom to secure their freedom.
The two were released “after intense and tireless efforts” by authorities using “the utmost discretion”, a statement said.
It also confirmed for the first time the execution, reported in September 2012, of vice-consul Tahar Touati, describing his death as an “odious assassination”.
“The Algerian government stresses the necessity of continuing unabated the fight against terrorism and its multiple connections -- drug trafficking and organised crime,” the ministry added.
The source said the hostages were released in the Algerian desert town of Bordj Badji Mokhtar, on the border with Mali.
AFP
