First pictures of French hostages released

30/09/10 18:54 CET

world news

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The first pictures of the five French citizens who were taken hostage in Africa two weeks ago have been broadcast on television.

The images were handed to broadcasters by the North African wing of al Qaeda.

An audio recording was also received but has not been broadcast.

The five French were kidnapped in Niger, along with two African nationals. They are being held in a mountainous area of northwestern Mali.

France has yet to receive any demands from al Qaeda’s north african affiliate.

The men were working for the French mining and construction firms Areva and Vinci when they were seized from their homes in the town of Arlit.

More about: France, Hostages, Niger

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