Niger: Al Qaeda affiliate says it has taken two Russian hostages

An al Qaeda affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region has taken two Russians hostage in Niger, according to a video released by the group Friday. Reuters reports the video from Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) features statements from the captives, who say they were working for a Russian company in southwest Niger when captured.

Identifying themselves as Russians, they were taken in Mbanga, about 60 km west of the capital Niamey. One captive identified himself as Yuri, a geologist, while the other, Oleg Gret, has worked in Africa since 2013.

The video did not include a ransom demand and it is not clear where it was filmed. Russia's foreign ministry has not commented. A Niger security source said they were taken a week ago while visiting gold mines in the Tillaberi region, known for Islamist militant activity. Since coming to power, Niger's junta has moved away from the West and forged closer ties with Russia, like other military regimes in the region.