Mali says 82 soldiers captured by armed groups have been freed

Mali announced the release of 82 soldiers who had been held captive by armed groups in the country's north. The Malian army stated these soldiers were taken hostage by al-Qaeda-linked fighters and a separatist rebel group, the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), following nationwide attacks in April. The FLA claimed responsibility for some of these attacks and stated they released approximately 80 soldiers captured between 2023 and 2026 for humanitarian reasons, noting that some had been captive since 2023 and around 118 others remain held. The release was reportedly mediated by Algeria, and the freed soldiers are now in the care of authorities.

Separatists in northern Mali have released 82 soldiers, some of whom were captured during a major nationwide attack on government forces in April. The Malian military confirmed the release, stating the soldiers are safe and receiving care. A spokesperson for the separatist Azawad Liberation Front also confirmed the release, citing humanitarian grounds. Some of the freed soldiers had been held captive since 2023. Despite this release, 118 Malian soldiers remain captive. This development occurs amidst a decade-long insurgency in Mali involving militant groups and a Tuareg-led separatist rebellion in the north, which escalated with coordinated attacks in April.