Azawad Liberation Movement Confirms Release of Spanish Hostage

Update on the release of Spanish citizen Navarro Gianni Gilbert, who was abducted from the Algerian state of Tamanrasset. According to reports, the Azawad Liberation Front successfully located his kidnappers near the Malian city of Menaka, detaining him for several hours before transferring him to the Islamic State organization in exchange for 100 million CFA francs.

In a statement issued by the movement’s official spokesman, Mohamed El Mawloud Ramadan, it was revealed that the hostage was freed through a coordinated operation involving the movement's security units and negotiations facilitated by influential intermediaries.

The movement confirmed that Mr. Gilbert is in excellent health and was able to contact his family prior to being formally handed over to the Algerian authorities. The handover process was carried out in close coordination with Algerian officials, with whom the movement maintained continuous communication throughout the operation.

The statement further emphasized that this handover took place as the kidnappers crossed into Azawad from the Algerian border. The Azawad Liberation Front reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding people and their property, striving to bolster security and peace in the region despite the numerous challenges posed by the current volatile situation. These challenges are exacerbated by the presence of various armed groups that emerged in the wake of the instability created by Malian security forces and mercenaries associated with the Africa Corps (formerly known as Wagner group).