The Azawad Liberation Front said on Thursday that it had released 82 Malian soldiers held in its custody, explaining that the group included detainees suffering from chronic illnesses and others urgently requiring medical treatment unavailable under detention conditions.
The front said the soldiers had been handed over to international organisations responsible for transferring them to the relevant authorities and ensuring they receive the necessary care. It said the decision was taken in accordance with international norms and the Geneva Conventions governing the treatment of prisoners of war.
In a separate statement, the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces announced the “rescue” of 82 soldiers held since coordinated attacks across the country on April 25, without explaining the circumstances that led to their release.
The army said the soldiers were now “safe” and receiving care from the relevant authorities. It added that they had been held by armed groups linked to an alliance including al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front.
According to the statement, the soldiers’ recovery followed a process launched immediately after their capture and based on “coordinated planning and mobilisation”. The army did not specify where the soldiers were released, whether the operation involved military action or mediation, or whether any concessions were made.
On July 31, the Azawad Liberation Front released a video showing more than 200 Malian military personnel in its custody. The group said they included soldiers captured during the April 25 attacks and others taken prisoner during fighting in Anefis and Tabrichat in July.
