Al-Qaeda claims French kidnappings (French nationals worked for uranium mining companies in Niger)

[Turborama]

Source: Al Jazeera English

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed the abduction of five French nationals in Niger and said that it will make demands to France regarding them.

"In announcing our claim for this operation, we inform the French government that the mujahedeen will later transmit their legitimate demands," a voice claiming to be AQIM spokesman Salah Abi Mohammed said in an audio message released on Tuesday.

"We also warn against any sort of stupidity," he added, in reference to a possible military operation, as French military planes patrolled the desert on Tuesday in an effort to locate the seven.

The statement also said Algerian Abdelhamid Abou Zeid led the kidnap operation.

"Following the promise of our emir, Abou Moussab (Algerian Abdelmalek Droukdel), a group of heroic mujahedeen last Wednesday, under the command of Sheikh Abou Zeid, succeeded in penetrating the French mining site at Arlit in Niger," Mohammed said.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/09/20109220826549357.html

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CNN International report on this: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/21/niger.al.qaeda.kidnapping/">Al Qaeda says it abducted employees of French firm in Niger

Earlier related LBN article: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=4544790">Mauritania troops clash with Al-Qaeda kidnappers/France urges nationals out of Niger after kidnapping