The Russian Foreign Ministry reported why Moscow needed Niger's help
Russia has sent an official request to the Niger authorities in connection with the hostage taking.
The situation was commented on by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.
Moscow has asked the Niger authorities to help free the hostages, two of whom are believed to be employees of a Russian company. Zakharova's comment is quoted on the Russian Foreign Ministry website .
One hostage is a citizen of the Russian Federation, the other is a citizen of Ukraine. They were part of a group of geologists who were conducting exploration work for minerals in the southwest of Niger in the area of the settlement of Mbanga.
On July 18, a terrorist group attacked geologists and their guards. Several local soldiers were killed and four people were kidnapped.
Russia is counting on the assistance of the Niger authorities in the work to free these people. Moscow has sent a similar request to the Malian authorities.
At the same time, the militants have not yet officially put forward any demands. At least, the Russian Foreign Ministry does not have such information yet.
