Austrian hostages interview on BBC WS
 

Heard a long interview on the BBC World Service 'Outlook' programme last night.

They reveal how they were kidnapped by 21 heavily armed men, how their two dogs were inhumanely killed, how they were reduced to living on bread and water and even escaped twice but local nomads were unwilling to help.

If you have heard it before I apologise.

Andrew.

BBC World Service - Outlook Click on the 'Play Tue' link.

If you download RealPlayer you can record the programme, I think the BBC remove the download facility after a few days.......

Thanks Andrew, well spotted. It really brings it home.
No mention how they got to Mali but I'm glad it's over for them.

I was wondering the other day what news there was of the Canadians and 4 Europeans taken last month.

Ch

Many thanks Andrew - I've been wanting to hear an english version of their experience for some time.

Four things which were of particular interest:
1) There were no details on how they crossed the whole of Algeria with 23 of them and 4 vehicles, one sounding like a technical with an LMG on the back. The interviewer was looking for the human experience angle and probably didn't know to ask the question in the first place.

2) Interesting that the nomads in the region seemed to be onside with the kidnappers. There was a lot of debate on the forum about the collusion between Al-Q and the nomads - some dismissing the possibility out of hand. I'm sure its nothing but a marriage of convenience, but it obviously makes things harder for those who are kidnapped.

3) Sounds like an insurgent from Mauri was at the Mali camp - this suggests the whole region (Tunisia, Mali, Alg, Mauri) is hooked up. Not good news for tourists either.

4) just how young most of them were. It suggests there will be a steady supply of insurgents for this sort of activity.

I do wonder why there isn't more kidnapping. They are set up for it now and have the people/kit/knowledge/contacts to do it.