Mali: Al Qaeda Executes Algerian Diplomat
Al Qaeda in Mali declared “the execution of the Algerian diplomat Tahar Touati after the expiry of the deadline set to the Algerian government.” The statement was signed by its leader Walid Abou El El Sahraoui.
The information has not been officially confirmed by Algeria, but according to the Mauritanian Sahara Media site, the Movement for the Uniqueness and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao) based in Gao, Mali, executed Vice-Consul of Algeria in Gao Saturday 1st September, after more than five months in detention.
Mujao announced Tuesday (August 28) it had extended for 48 hours the ultimatum to the Algerian authorities to meet their demands. The kidnappers threatened to execute the four hostages.
Mujao demanded the release of al Qaeda members, including the legal chief of the group arrested last month in Ghardaia, 600 kilometers south of Algiers.
The terrorist movement accuses the Algerian authorities of being responsible for this action. “The Algerian negotiators have abandoned an agreement to release the hostages at the last minute,” said Mujao. The group also threatened Algiers with new attacks and calls on Algerians to avoid approaching government buildings.
The Mujao had already claimed two attacks against security forces in Tamanrasset and Ouargla.
