Spanish Tourist Kidnapped by ISIS in Algeria

A Spanish citizen has been kidnapped by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) while traveling in southern Algeria. The victim, a man, was reportedly taken after the kidnappers released his companions near the Mali-Algeria border. The incident follows a recent abduction of an Austrian citizen by armed men in Niger, which has raised concerns about the safety of Western nationals in the region. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued warnings for travelers in Algeria, especially near the border with Mali, which is classified as a 'medium risk' area. Terrorist attacks in the Sahel region have surged, with over 2,000 people killed in more than 258 incidents in 2023 alone. Local authorities are under pressure to address the growing threat posed by jihadist groups operating in the area.