Bamako, Mali: Five Indian nationals were kidnapped by armed men in western Mali on Thursday, officials confirmed on Friday, highlighting the growing security crisis in the West African nation.

The employees were taken near Kobri while working on electrification projects, a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity. “We confirm the kidnapping of five Indian nationals,” a company representative said.

“The other Indians working for the company have been evacuated to Bamako,” the capital, he added.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Escalating unrest under military rule

Mali, governed by a military junta, has faced surging unrest blamed on criminal groups and jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The security challenges have worsened the country’s economic crisis.

The Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) recently imposed a strict fuel blockade, further straining daily life.

Kidnappings of foreigners a recurring threat

Abductions of foreigners are common in Mali, which has suffered coups and conflicts since 2012. In September, JNIM jihadists kidnapped two Emirati nationals and an Iranian near Bamako. Sources close to the negotiations said the victims were released last week for a ransom of at least $50 million.