Three Saudi tourists killed by gunmen near Niger-Mali border

Three Saudi tourists were killed by unidentified gunmen while traveling in a car near the Mali-Niger border, according to a Niger government spokesperson.

Near the Mali-Niger border in the village of Djambala on Monday, unidentified gunmen shot three tourists who were Saudi nationals, while traveling by car, according to Khaleej Times. Three other people in the group of eight were seriously wounded in the attack and were immediately transported to a Niamey hospital. The group consisted of six Saudis and two Malians as they travelled to Mali. Niger Communication Minister Kassoum Moctar said, reports BBC News, “Niger's government deplores these barbarous acts that were unfortunately perpetrated on its territory, and offers its condolences to the Saudi government.” According to Reuters, four Westerners are believed to be held hostage by al-Qaeda in the Mali region. In December 2008, three Canadians were taken hostage by al-Qaeda but released in April.