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Missing 4wd, couple, in Tunisia
From post on Desert-info.ch (in German)
www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN!!! Bitte lesen! In Tunisia missing since 18.2.08 Vehicle is a Land Rover Defender 110 TD5, blue (-Cairns = medium blue metallic), HA 661 EV indicator - Austria The vehicle is striking because höhergelegt, 9.00er XZL tyres, stainless steel sill and snorkel, brown leather seats, Aludachträger, Zurrschienen side, additional tanks and deck space inside. Wolfgang Ebners and girlfriend, name unknown are 1 man (about 175, short hair, slim) and 1 woman (slim, schulterlange hair), and 2 shepherd dogs. The last phone message came from Matmata, they were on the south, possibly towards the border area Algeria, - the exact route is unknown, however. Getting there was Genoa - Tunis on 9.2.2008 29.2.2008 planned return trip - but they were not on the ferry and have also been since 18.2 Not reported The embassies in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya were alerted. If anyone both in Tunisia or Algeria after 18.2. encounters them, then please immediately report to me, the moderator or the embassies! Please also says friends decision on the recently there were, are or will be... Each tip can be helpful! -----------------Details: 1st Wolfgang is actually each year in the Sahara, and I would find him already as described. 2nd No, as far as I know, he had no Satphone 3rd Yes, PC-based GPS navigation 4th We do not know his relatives probably not. Maybe he is there without permission or direction Algeria has been on the 5th He eventually something of a fort "Fatima" or "Fatma" said that he wanted to show his girlfriend - who knows that? 6th Yes, if they were taken in Algeria, I also think that it would be known that - on the other hand Algeria will certainly not fuss because of "lost tourists." The message is, in any case. 7th With the distances in Tunisia is true - it is assumed that both have good foot. If it was an accident, in which both were set battle except perhaps in a little traffic route or outside of it, which also helps. Post replies and information here please. |
Missing in Tunisia
This info gathered via a remote viewing session. Take it or leave it, but I had to try. I am better than average but certainly not 100% all the time.
I believe They went caravanning into desert, after Matmata about 150-175 K oases, or further in direction of TOZEUR some reason they are without their own cloths, dressing as locals? Fuel problem of some kind, keeps jamming in. Not absolutely sure about this at all. My advice immediate contact with Berbers between Matmata and KEBILI, DOUZ or as far as TOZEUR indicated. Contact should be done in a manner conforming to Berber culture and language. Someone should spend some effort here. Wish I was there! Grant, please post at PEACE CORPS TUNISIA Peace Corps Online | Tunisia I am sure there are PEACE Corps Volunteers in the area I suggest they are. Grant, important contact could be Wisconsin Governor JIM DOYLE, he is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Tunisia. He will have contacts into Peace Corps staff in country. xfiltrate Hope this helps... xfiltrate |
Hello,
here an link to an poster of the missings (also as download in PDF avaiable): disparus au Sahara tunesien There ist to found the mail-adress and phone-number of the son from Wolfgang Ebner. http://www.off-road-forum.de/Style/v...n/image006.jpghttp://www.off-road-forum.de/Style/v...n/image008.jpghttp://www.off-road-forum.de/Style/v...n/image004.jpghttp://www.off-road-forum.de/Style/v...n/image002.jpg Best regards Ulrich |
Update requested!
Please post an update for the missing couple. Thanks xfiltrate
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Hello xfiltrate,
they are not found till now. The tunisian military and police is searching for them. Regards Ulrich |
Thats worrying now !
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Hope this helps!
I just posted pertinent parts of Grant's message at : Peace Corps Online | Tunisia
Message may not show up at site for a while, as it has to be approved by web master first. Peace Corps Tunisia today consists of Returned Peace Corps volunteers, like me. I am sure a few stayed in country, after their 2 years of service... For whatever reason Peace Corps is not officially active in Tunisia now. Those who served in Tunisia have an on line message/info site. I posted the data about the missing couple and Land Rover at Peace Corps Tunisia site. A question was Mr. Ebners fluent in any of the local languages of Tunisia? I get him talking with locals quite fluently. Time frame is impossible for me to get. Don't know if it was this trip or previous trip? Hope posting on Peace Corps site helps. My best intention for a safe return and courage to friends and family. xfiltrate |
Bad News!
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Ulrich |
Missing Austrians kidnapped by AQ-M in Tunisia
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There is more about this in here, including details of the unfortunate captives:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-tunisia-33542 Someone will be along soon to tell us that Al-Q is a figment of imagination or a media invention or ............I guess these two Austrians wish it were. |
Shit. Like everyone, I was hoping they'd taken a detour, found a wonderful spot and were enjoying the desert.
Lorraine |
The Original-letter of AlQaida (formerly an Word-Dokument), the translation and the original Sound-file for Windows Media-Player.
www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN!!! Bitte lesen! Best regards Ulrich |
Wow scary news... pray that they will be ok.
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Thats sh1te!!!!
Poor people man!!!
I really hope they are ok:(. I just don't understand why/how people can have so little regard for someone elses life...I mean what did they do to deserve it... |
Terrible news. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
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quiet desperation
Ulrich,
Be still, be still, don't do anything, stop, stop all motion, just accept your fate, you do not have the power to change anything, it is no use to even try, children are better seen than heard, "just shut up"....and oh my God, what if people's beliefs are superior to the mechanics of the physical universe? How will we ever control the masses, if this is true, let's suppress this right now? Most religions teach us people are bad, not good, by nature and must be controlled and "saved." Keep them all under control! Don't let them move! This is the only way to survive! These are the mantras of the suppressor. Ulrich, having been a "hostage," and assuming you are no longer, can you definitively state that suggestions like mine gave you nothing? NO, most people are good by nature and much more powerful than they believe. People are much more powerful than they are "allowed" to believe. WAIT.......together..... we will my friend, but a few of us, not among, Henry David Thoreau's "mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation," but as the powerful spiritual beings that we are, and always will be. xfiltrate |
Ah, I understand!
And Darwin's theorie of evolution didn't exist. Best regards Ulrich |
How long where you taken Ulrich?
I remember seeing on DW the story and when you are far away(argentina) you don´t recollect the facts so easy.Its just another story on tv.....now again with travellers.
As you said before wait and hope its just a good ending story....again. KH |
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However, the way I see it is, if we want to be proactive we should contact our governmental representatives, such as the local MP or MEP in the UK and raise this as a point that you care about. The more people do this, the more coverage. The more coverage the more politcal pressure there is for governments to act in order to assist/push forward negotiations. Coverage and public opinion is always being used to reach a given goal by governments: perhaps we should provide them with the goal of getting these two people released.... Take the case of the missing McCann child as an example of what a bit of noise in the right ears can generate.... Then, yes, you wait.... Either way I really hope this ends well. |
Hello Warthog,
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Remember what roumors have been in all that forums by our abduction and what pressure there was to Algeria, but very late, so also our government first wasn't interested to do something. It's allways all to be found on the web. I too hope, they come free soon, and I think also, that the austrian, tunisian and algerian officials no are faster and work closer together than 2003. Greetings Ulrich |
Maybe we are all on the same page now?
Ulrich, I realized immediately that you misinterpreted my statements about religion and suppression. I believe religions have been the major cause of the suppression of humanity, especially the Christian religion.
Please re read my message. I am not a fundamentalist anything and least of all a fundamentalist Christian who won't allow scientific fact to get in the way of their kicked in the head belief system. While I certainly respect everyones right to worship as one pleases, contemporary religions are not for me. Somehow, I overcame my own religious implant, did you? I am as I said a spiritual being who believes, we together have the power to effect change in the physical universe as scientifically proven via random number generating machines in various scientific labs throughout the world. I believe very strongly in a Supreme Being, a God. Together, we can alter events for the good if we consider what is good for all concerned. Unlike religious doctrine, I firmly believe man is basically GOOD, NOT BAD. Good is here defined as potential survival through all the dynamics of life. While change is constant and change is sometimes destructive, BAD could be considered what is potential succumb through all the dynamics of life. That is all I am saying. I am at a total loss to understand why you asked me about Darwin and if he existed? Please reread my last post, in the context of what I write here. thank you |
Am I the only one confused about this guy (xfiltrate)? Im sure you have a secret agenda hidden in your posts.
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xfiltrate and others-
As a neutral party not involved in this side discussion you have started, I was wondering if it were at all possible for you to begin a new thread with it? I come to this particular thread as I am very interested in the fates of these two hostages, and would prefer to not constantly be disappointed that the new post written has nothing to do with the hostages and their situation. Sorry for my own interruption. |
...would prefer to not constantly be disappointed that the new post written has nothing to do with the hostages and their situation...
I agree. Is no one moderating this? Nigel Marx wake up! Ch |
Seems to be the case that according to dutch newspaper "De Volkskrant" dated 12-03-08 that they have been taken to Mali and that the kidnappers will give their demands for their release in due time. Their source is the Algerian newspaper "Annahar".
The hostages are in good health. Tammo |
Away from 'the argument' it seems strange to me that IF it is Al-Qaeda then why are they being taken to Mali?
Why not Algeria? Where I would think that Al-Q would have more 'sympathy' from locals & govt. alike ... I can't imagine the Malian govt. sitting & doing nothing letting them take them over the border. How much of this story is manufactured??? Kira |
The Moderator Awakes...
I have PM'ed xfiltrate and asked him to only post what is independently verifiable.
I have removed or edited several posts. In this case, where people's live are at serious risk, levels heads are needed. All personal beliefs, spiritual, religious or otherwise should be kept for forum that are more appropriate. I doubt if a discussion along these lines would even be tolerated in "The Bar". Regards Nigel in NZ |
Report a post...
Just a point of information. If you have a problem with a particular post (relevance, spam, offence causing etc), please report it and all super mods/administrators get an email. Hence if the moderator is offline or asleep (different time zone: eg. Nigel is in NZ, most other posters are in the Americas/Europe), somebody else can edit/delete as required.
Hope the people are freed soon, ChrisB |
why are they being taken to Mali?
I believe when they say 'Mali' they dont mean downtown Bamako they mean far north Mali where there is no law. That's where half the 2003s ended up. Why not Algeria? Where I would think that Al-Q would have more 'sympathy' from locals & govt. alike ... Algeria? I dont think so! I can't imagine the Malian govt. sitting & doing nothing letting them take them over the border. North of Tessalit and west Timbuktu there is no Mali govt. In Algeria they would be tracked down and caught too soon. IMO this as an Algerian operation that was on the cards the way things have been going there, not one based in Tunisia. Let's hope it ends quickly for the 2 concerned. Ch |
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3 day deadline
Yes, could be over in days, but somehow I don't think so:-
BBC NEWS | Africa | Al-Qaeda sets Austrians deadline |
What a terrible terrible situation. It is such compelling news. We really are not safe, whether ardent or veteran travellers, there are things that we just simply cannot plan for, or control.
It has certainly made me stop and think about the preciousness of life/freedom, and the dangers of travel. My thoughts are with the couple, and I hope they are keeping strong in body and spirit. Also to their friends and family. Lets pray and/or hope it is all over before too long. All I have is words and thoughts, and I send them all. Char |
There's no point worrying about stuff like this. You could just as easily get run over by a bus walking down the street.
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Ulrich |
is it?
Is it bullshit? I don't think so. What Kakpraat means (which by the way translates as "talking shit", you must be SA, LOL), I think is that there is no point in worrying about this, (not the same as not caring about it) with the result that you may stop doing what you like best and stay home in stead! Is travelling in North Africa now suddenly less safe than 4 weeks ago? I don't know. But I do know that I know (or rather knew) 5 guys who died from regular motor bike accidents and I don't know anybody who died by the hand of terrorists! I have no plans of going to Tunisia or Algeria but I do have plans to go to Morocco! Should I cancel these plans? Should I stay home and watch Travel Channel in stead or maybe re-runs of the LWD? I don't think so.
cheers, Noel |
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To me it is clearly less safe now than a year ago. |
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Is this all normal way in Africa? No, I don't think so. And this "extra" risks are the problem, not the risk of falling out of the bed and come to death. Regards Ulrich |
Hi,
I agree with Ulrich at least for independent travels in remot regions, following is why: Independent travellers in remote desert regions are only a small number compared to mass tourism in Tunisia or Morocco. Remote desert regions are much more difficult to secure than urban regions. Thus as independent traveller in remote desert regions you are much more exposed. Travelling w/o guide increase the risk further. There might be 10'000 tourists per year in the Tunisian militray zone compared to may be 10'000 per week in Djerba. Looking back to 2003 about half of the kidnappings only happened because tourist were not reached by warnings or ignoring serious warnings given. |
Hello,
the latest papers from the terrorists. Have a look: www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! With regards Ulrich |
Information Committee
Muslims of Al-Qaeda, Islamic Morocco The latest statement signs itself as above but IMO don't be too freaked out by the 'Morocco' bit - it has been mistranslated or misinterpreted as 'Maghreb' [all of North Africa] as AQIM is called elsewhere. Ch |
Rebaseonu -
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The main thread for updates on the abductions seems to be in the travellers advisories section of the Hubb:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-tunisia-33542 So this reply isn't bringing any news about the event. But I did want to ask a few questions which may be of interest to the Sahara travellers. Assuming the abductions happened in Tunisia and that the group is now in Mali, I have been wondering why the abductions happened in Tunisia in the first place. It is difficult to get a group that big involving at least 3 vehicles all the way through Algeria without the possibility of detection. It is certainly harder to do this than it is to abduct a group making their way from Tam to Mali in any case. We spent a few days in Tam just after new year. In that time 3 separate groups of European tourists (one involving a BBC journalist) headed down the piste to Mali. So why take these people in Tunisia when there are easy picking rolling through anyway? Is it simply to make a mark on Tunisian tourism? If so, there must be easier ways to make that mark operationally than this. And if it is simply about having a go at Europeans in Tunisia (in doing so making it clear that holiday destinations are risky) then is it not possible that Morocco is on the list too? A difference between this event and 2003 seems to be that the news of the abductions has happened relatively quickly and that therefore only 2 people seem to have been taken. More could presumably have been taken given time but making the abductions known reduces the chances of that. Is this because the logistics of taking of 32 or 33 in 2003 was too difficult and that 2 are as good politically as 32? And does nationality within Europe make any difference? Is there significance attached to Austria? Is the response of the Austrian government known to be different? |
As you know all tourists in Alg have an escort now and possibly an itinerary lodged somewhere. Grab them there and the alarm is raised sooner I imagine. Although some concerned emails were knocking about in Feb these guys were missing in Tuni for two weeks before the alarm was fully raised on the web (once their boat has been missed?) - and were only declared kidnapped 6 days ago.
IMO Tuni is a softer border with Alg compared to Maroc (long time closed and mutual antagonists) and also the adjacent area of NE Algeria is a long established GSPC/AQ-M region (cf. that attack north of El Oued a few weeks ago.) Picking them out of the lonely Grand Erg was the way to do it, not off the Touzeur road. It is difficult to get a group that big involving at least 3 vehicles all the way through Algeria without the possibility of detection This is what I always think but maybe we dont get it: after all you drove thru Alg checkpoints at night unchallenged in your recent S-File report, smugglers seem roam around and the GSPC managed (or were allowed to do) a similarly vast transit in 2003 somehow. It may well be that, like that 'technical' in the Gilf or that attack on a patrol near Gallaouia (sp.) east of Guelb in Mori (just after the French were killed) that they are prepared to shoot their way out. TBH I've never seen a well armed patrol in the Alg desert - just the odd green & white on the piste and well-known checkpoints with AKs. I always imagine some 'Syriana' spy satellite could pick them out and track them but only once they know someone was missing. that 2 are as good politically as 32? I guess it is. I head last time there was a fall out with two GSPC-ers about making a small or large statement. Plan B won the day. And does nationality within Europe make any difference? I also heard that french tourists were passed by in 2003 - but possibly because the groups were too large or could it be that Fr reaction would be more direct. Is there significance attached to Austria? Dont know - wrong place at the wrong time? I just hope the threatened deadline due right now passes without event. Ch |
It is possible to transit Algeria undetected and if these guys are in Mali - then they've proved again that it can be done.
But it is still much, much, much easier to nab some tourists on the lawless Mali side of Bordj Moktar once they have checked out of Algeria and the guides have returned to Tam. From Bodj to wherever they might be (near Kidal?) is a whole lot closer than from Tunisia to Mali. So what this tells me is that they specifically wanted to take people from Tunisia. Why could this be? |
Wasn't one of their demands for the release of prisoners in Tunisia? Kidnaping in Tunisia would focus attention there.
I wondered if there was any significance in the vehicle being a Land Rover which could possibly point to British tourists? |
[QUOTE=silver G;180174]Wasn't one of their demands for the release of prisoners in Tunisia? Kidnaping in Tunisia would focus attention there.
Yes -You're right - i've reread the Reuters report... "DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda's North African wing threatened on Thursday to kill two Austrian hostages it had abducted in Tunisia if Vienna failed to secure the release of some of the group's members jailed in Tunisia and Algeria." Iteresting that AQ-M went for Tunisia not Algeria - suggests they are more hopeful of the Tunisian government negotiating than the Algerian. |
Here's the latest from Reuters: indeed it is around Kidal - or "more precisely in the Tegargar sector". Looks like they're just after a pay out now. Tuni or Alg not so relevant.
By Tiemoko Diallo BAMAKO, March 16 (Reuters) - An Austrian diplomatic envoy worked on Sunday to try to obtain the release of two Austrian tourists being held hostage by al Qaeda in Mali's remote northeast Kidal region, Austrian and Malian officials said. The captives, Andrea Kloiber, 43, and Wolfgang Ebner, 51, went missing while on holiday in Tunisia last month and the Algerian-based Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb said it seized them on Feb. 22. In neighbouring Algeria, security sources said Austria had accepted the principle of paying a ransom and discussions were focused around the sum of five million euros. Libya had agreed to act as an intermediary to help finalise the deal, using its influence with a local Tuareg tribe known as El Barabich, the security sources said. There was no immediate comment from Austrian or Libyan officials. Austrian officials have said they would not negotiate with terrorists. Al Qaeda demanded a ransom and the liberation of 10 militants held in Algeria and Tunisia within three days from midnight on Thursday, a deadline expiring at midnight on Sunday. But the security sources in Algeria said al Qaeda had stopped demanding the release of the prisoners and was now only interested in money. Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik said in a statement in Vienna that the government's aim was the earliest possible release of the hostages. "So, for example, a former Austrian ambassador has, at my request, met the president of Mali, Amadou Toumani Toure, and informed him personally about the case," she said. ------------- [fyi: I believe 'El Barabich' would be an Arab/Moorish not a Tuareg tribe]. Ch |
So, these "in the name of Allah" guys have turned out to be usual bandits? How boring. If governments pay money easily like that then more and more people in the region will find it easy to make money off tourists. Why work when you can kidnap some tourists and make a fortune?
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I wouldn't describe these guys as 'usual bandits'. OK, I haven't been kidnapped by them, but from what I hear they operate along very different lines from the usual Saharan bandits. First, they haven't taken hostages for 5 years (almost to the day as sahara-overland.com news points out) and so what they do is not simply the business of raising cash. Otherwise they would have been busy over the last few years since 2003. Second, they have a reputation of generally treating the hostages well, unlike the bandits in northern Niger who have been fairly rough on the people they have robbed. North Africa is a complicated place. So for our own sake I think its best to try and understand what is going on here and not just to label these guys as bandits.
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One more point that can be made about this incident is that because it happened so close to the border between Tunisia and Algeria, the Tunisian government could immediately issue a statement to the effect that "Until now there is no element that proves that the two Austrian citizens are in Tunisian territory or that they were kidnapped inside Tunisian borders." This absolved the Tunisian authorities from raising the level of security threat in their territory (and scare all tourists), the Algerians have a clean record because everybody believes (except the Tunisians) that they had not been involved, and as for Mali, the Libyans may have been offered another chance to demonstrate, if they have the time, their good intentions towards the West. |
I think I'm starting to see why Tunisia was the target and Mali the destination:
1) because of the prisoners in Tunsia - though I wonder if this was the foremost motivation 2) because abducting people in Tunisia and then taking them somewhere 2 countries away really slows the retaliation response time - too many countries have to talk to each other and by then the tourists are far away. This, I think, is a key reason. 3) if they were taken in Algeria and then moved just across the border then Algeria may have retaliated across the border into Mali. But the way it has been done in 2008 (Tunisia to Mali) Algeria has hardly any direct role. The tourists were not taken in Algeria and they are not in Algeria now. Algeria's role is almost neutralised and Algeria is the key military capability out of the 3 countries. 4) The events of 2003 ended up in Mali and that's where the money changed hands - so the insurgents know the routine. The recipe is very similar but cuts out the problem the insurgents experienced in Algeria where the military located them last time round. 5) hits tourism in Tunisia and Algeria alike Generally speaking these sort of abductions seem to be very well planned. The plan here is bold and elaborate. It isn't the simplest way to abduct a couple of tourists. All in all the insurgents are financing their side of the war this way - probably along with some smuggling. It still surprises me that they can drive the length of the second largest country in Africa without so much as a siting. The indications in 2003 were that the insurgents were real rookies in the desert. They seem to be doing a lot better this time - which is bad news for any of us lot wanting to go to the desert. Final thought, I really hope this situation straightens out OK. |
I don't think we should under estimate the 'european-ness' of Tunisia, though as a state is as much, if not more repressive than Algeria. If one were looking for publicity in the 'west' Tunisia is more likely to grab a headline - suspect that American or British would get most publicity - may be why they picked on a landrover.
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me, I doubt if the marque of the car is significant (or indeed the nationality). As someone said there are far more Europeans in the Sahara than Brits - and half of them happen to drive LRs.
Looks like they're just after a pay out now. Tuni or Alg not so relevant. Actually not correct. According to their latest comminiqué which extends the deadline a week, the release of prisoners from Alg and Tuni is still part of the deal so those 2 countries are involved even if, unlike Austria, they are publicly reluctant to admit it. Ch |
Hello,
the latest paper from yesterday, the 17.03. from the terrorists. Have a look: www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Regards Ulrich |
Hello and good morning,
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www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Regards from the cold and snowed Germany Ulrich |
Why Tunisia?
Maybe someone wants Tunisia to look dangerous.
There is Optic 2000 rally end of April in Tunisia. But just at the same time there is a new rally in eastern Europe. So it must be a hard decision for competitors where to go. OK big teams go to Europe (FIA), some of competitors are forced by sponsors to follow big teams. And the rest? Let s help them. Tunisia is dangerous. Borma stage is easy to cancel in this circumstances (and what is optic without Borma stage???). So they don t miss a lot if they move to Europe, even if there will not be no sign of desert racing...... Barbara |
Possible useful gadget for security...
Here's a GPS beacon system which could be very useful in just this sort of situation... Home - SPOT Satellite Messenger
It doesn't cover sub-Saharan Africa yet (well, it's a US product so it's amazing it covers anywhere outside the Western Hemisphere, so I guess we can't complain!) but it looks like something which might be useful as an emergency location beacon. Who would come looking for you is a different matter - but given that one of the functions is Call 911 you might get more of a response than you expected if the suppliers knew that you were using it in case of accident or abduction in the Maghreb... It requires a subscription as well as purchase, but it's more likely you'd get a chance to use it than a Thuraya if a group of men with guns appear at the campsite... Tony |
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SPOT Satellite Messenger FIRST LOOK - EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE (tm) I don't have a better idea ... just food for thought. Bruce |
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I think a guide is certainly not an insurance against that kind of risk but , may be , he knows sometimes where are the dangeous areas. RR. |
Taureg land
A small piece of this particular jigsaw:-
BBC NEWS | Africa | Tuareg rebels attack Mali convoy |
According to a map produced on desert.info earlier:
Sahara Overland ~ News the site of this raid at 'Aleibara' appears to be very near if not exactly where the two hostages are thought to be. The latest deadline was to expire tonight Ch |
A local newspaper here in Tripoli, Libya has reported that the Libyans are negotiating, through intermediaries, with the hostage takers. The hostage takers are demanding 5 million euros for their release.
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Tuareg rebels attack Mali convoy
Story here
BBC NEWS | World | Africa | Tuareg rebels attack Mali convoy ---------- On the road? Help is at hand Textamundo - Answer your Questions, Anywhere, Anytime by SMS http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...c/progress.gif |
According to a map produced on desert.info earlier:
Sahara Overland ~ News the site of this raid at 'Aleibara' appears to be very near if not exactly where the two hostages are thought to be held. Ch |
Mali | Africa - Reuters.com - Austrian hostage captors extend deadline-SITE group
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It looks as though a collaboration has been set between the Algerian insurgency and the Mali-Niger (Tuareg Republic of Tumoujgha) Tuareg rebellion. The kidnapped Austrains provide pretext for the Mali military to go into the region and, at the same time, the tuareg rebels have an opportunity to take the military out on their own ground.
The Islamic insurgents will most likely require some level of Malian government cooperation (e.g. with ransom flows) so the situation looks complicated. In 2003 the stance of the Malian government looked almost neutral - sort of third parties to the ransom issue. It looks different now after the miliatry raid to the area. An unfortunate trend in the region is that rebels are laying land mines - initially in Niger and now in Mali. Maybe the have seen how effective the mines have been in the Tibesti? |
new terms
It is being reported that the terms of release of the Austrians has changed to include release of AQ prisoners in Austria as well as the withdrawal of 4 Austrian peacemakers in Afghanistan
See: Tourist kidnappers' new demands: Africa: News: News24 Vienna - The kidnappers of two Austrian tourists abducted in February in Tunisia have increased their demands in return for their release, public broadcaster ORF said on Monday. Austria's foreign ministry did not comment on reports that the new demands included the release of a couple recently found guilty by Austrian courts of al-Qaeda membership. Mohamed M and his wife were handed prison sentences for producing an internet video promoting Islamist terrorism. Demands also included the withdrawal of the four Austrian peacekeepers currently stationed in Afghanistan and a substantial ransom payment |
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The Malian government and Tuareg rebels have accepted a ceasefire on the ground from Thursday 0.01am
IOL: Truce in Mali This follows reports of Mi-24 gunship helicopters belonging to the Mali military having a go at the rebels near Kidal. I didn't know that Mali had Mi-24s. Just one of those machines held off the rebels in Sierra leone. The reports say the rebels were laying land mines on the road to Kidal. It also says that this fighting is complicating efforts to release the kidnapped Austrians. I would guess that the Mali militray needs to have free access to the region to place any pressure on AQ-M although I would hope the outcome is determined politically. The report ends with a suggestion that 'they' (the Austrians) may have been moved to Mauri. News | Africa - Reuters.com |
Hello everbody,
new statement realesed today. Have a look: www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Regards Ulrich |
I have the text deleted. Hi is no more relevant.
Greetings Ulrich |
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A few news sources are reporting on complications with the mediator between the Austrian representatives and AQ-M. Some are saying that the mediator has been killed.
Here is one such: AKI - Adnkronos international Mali: Kidnap mediator reportedly killed The news apparently derives from the Arab daily, al-Sharq al-Awsat. |
Something new, but, sorry, in German of French.
Have a look: www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Regards Ulrich |
Thanks Ulrich for these infos .
RR |
i have just come across this thread and my heart goes out to the captives and their
families.can anyone tell me where i can find the latest information on this situation. |
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News, don't know, but maybe ...
Have a look: www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Especially for my friends from the HUBB text also in English. Regards Ulrich |
Hello,
good news for the moment. The two Austrian tourists are living. But that's all. More to read here in an from arabic to englisch translated article in the Algerien newspaper Echorouk: www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Here the article from the english section of Echorouk (shorter): Echorouk Online - No internal accord at Al-Qaeda hinders final solution for fate of Austrian hostages Ulrich |
After long time now maybe good news:
Reuters - Al Qaeda Austrian hostages are alive -Mali official Regards Ulrich |
Ulrich, thanks for the updates.
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Hello,
something interesting, read here (in English) www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! Regards Ulrich |
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Maybe interesting:
www.desert-info.ch :: Thema anzeigen - VERMISST IN TUNESIEN! Bitte lesen! - also in English Greetings Ulrich |
Capture
I'm not sure I understand the information, but I am definitely "pulling" for them to be released without harm. Thanks for the updates.
Quote:
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My thoughts are with this couple and I hope this ordeal can end soon for them.
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Ulrich
Have you heard any updates? |
Hi Bruce,
no updates. Something behind, but that's not possible to write. But if I know something new, I post it. Regards Ulrich |
Thank you Ulrich
Although it doesn't show (or I don't know how to, in a decent way), it's much apriciated. |
No news or update I'm afraid. But just to say this is a real epic. Its been so long......
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Hello,
some news written on Echorouk-Online in Arabic. Original article on Echorouk-Online A Google-translation into English: Translated version of http://www.echoroukonline.com/ara/national/24701.html Regards Ulrich |
Hello,
some news in El Khabar: El Khabar - Abductors of the two Austrian hostages hide in Oued Zouak in Mali It's true? - Nobody knows! Regards Ulrich |
Hello,
I forgot to write: the hostages and the abductors are not in this region and it's unknown why El Khabar writes such a fake. Greetings Ulrich P.S.: More in due course |
Hello,
it moves slightly Echorouk Online - Moves reveal importance of the Terrorists arrested by the Malian security forces an from the french section more detailed Echorouk Online - Le troc de Belaouar : les otages autrichiens contre des terroristes mauritaniens Google translation Übersetzte Version von http://www.echoroukonline.com/fra/s_curit/2035.html Austrian newspaper talk about a ransom of 5 Million Euro - The usual price for Austrians and Germans Regards Ulrich |
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Rançon confisquée, actualité Le Point de la semaine : Le Point Regards Ulrich |
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