Qaeda warns French hostage in Mali risks execution

HONG KONG: The north African branch of Al-Qaeda said it will execute a French hostage unless four of its militants are freed from jail in Mali in 20 days, two US monitoring groups said on Monday.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed last month it was holding Frenchman Pierre Camatte, who was seized in Mali in late November, as well as three Spaniards kidnapped in neighbouring Mauritania four days later.

US groups SITE Intelligence Group and Intelcenter, which monitor Islamist websites, said Al-Qaeda issued its ultimatum in a statement dated January 10.

“The mujahedeen have decided to inform the French and Malian governments of their only demand to release the French hostage Pierre Camatte — the release of our four prisoners apprehended by the state of ‘Mali’ many months ago,” Intelcenter said in a statement.

Monday, AFP