The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that it is closely monitoring the situation of the Egyptian community in Mali after reports of the kidnapping of three Egyptians in the west of the country, confirming continued coordination with Malian authorities. The ministry stated that it «emphasizes the need to comply with the instructions and laws of the Malian authorities, carry identification documents, limit movements, and avoid traveling from the capital to other cities and regions at this time, as well as to exercise the necessary caution when moving». The ministry also published emergency contact numbers. Previously, the group "Support for Islam and Muslims", affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three Egyptians in western Mali, according to its media channels. The group announced the kidnapping of two Egyptians a few days ago, before confirming the third was abducted on the road between Segou and Bamako, east of the Malian capital. In a statement posted on its media platforms, the group stated: «The new victim is an Egyptian businessman suspected of cooperating with the authorities in Bamako». It demanded a ransom of $5 million for the release of all three hostages.
