The Malian government confirmed late Thursday that a prominent politician and three European hostages were en route to the capital after being freed by Islamic extremists linked to al-Qaeda. The two were believed to be held by same extremists. The flight took off just before 7 p.m. local time from the northern town of Tessalit and was expected to arrive about two and a half hours later, presidential spokesperson Adam Thiam said. The hostages' release followed the freeing by Malian authorities of nearly 200 jihadist prisoners over the weekend, which had fuelled speculation that a prisoner exchange was imminent. In March, extremists ambushed Cisse's vehicle while he and his entourage were campaigning in northern Mali.

Source: CBC News October 08, 2020 20:39 UTC