This is one reason why Islamic jihad groups take non-Muslim hostages — they often get cash, lots of it, in exchange for them, and failing that, they can use them to get their valuable operatives freed from Infidel prisons. Those exchanges only encourage more hostage-taking.
And when the French released Mohamed Ali Ag Wadossene (why does the BBC leave his first name out of this report), did they assume that he would live out the rest of his life in peace? Open a shop somewhere and settle down? Were they surprised when he returned to the jihad?
“French troops kill AQIM’s Ali Ag Wadossene in Mali,” BBC, July 7, 2015 (thanks to Mick):
French special forces have killed a militant Islamist in Mali who was said to have been freed in exchange for the release of Frenchman Serge Lazarevic.
Ali Ag Wadossene, a senior member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), was killed in northern Kidal city, a French army statement said.
Two other militants were captured in the operation, it added.
France sent troops to Mali in January 2013 to prevent the militants from over-running the capital, Bamako.
Mr Lazarevic was abducted by AQIM in 2011 and freed last December.
Mr Wadossene and another militant, Heiba Ag Acherif, were jailed in Mali for allegedly being involved in his abduction.
Mali’s government confirmed at the time that Mr Wadossene was one of four militants who had been freed in return for Mr Lazarevic’s release.
Mr Lazarevic said he had been abducted in Mali while on a business trip….
Roger says
I continue to be surprised at the French presence in their former colony. Clearly not like their other former colony, Algeria.
Bernard says
Robert –
You ask why the BBC omits the ‘wasted’ terrorist’s first name? But of course you know why; we all know why.
It’s the same reason the UK athlete is called ‘Mo’ Farah by the media…..his first name stinks of the dreaded religion of death.
Raja says
Hope killing a Jihadist after a being released on kidnap/ ransom becomes a practice or norm. Their odious hatred for West/non-muslim world needs to be comprehended by incidents like killing two year old and so on..But before that the leaders must quit lying to the world that Jihad is not Islam, killing is not Islam etc..
JamesonRocks says
Congratulations to the French special forces! Bravo!
Matthieu Baudin says
And to all those soldiers and civilians, all around the world, who put their lives on the line, fighting for decency, against violent Jihad dregs.
Catherine says
What I hate is weasely journalists who use the word “militant” instead of jihadist, presumably because it is more neutral. (It actually has a bit of a positive tone!) the thinking is ” one man’s terrorist/jihadist is another man’s freedom fighter”, so they don’t want to take sides. They call THEMSELVES jihadists, for heaven’s sake! Let’s call a spade a spade!
Doug says
Mr Wadossene? Let’s give respect only when respect is due.
TheDane says
… so now there are approx. 375 mio. jihadis left! Based on a Count almost 9 yrs ago https://sites.google.com/site/islamicthreatsimplified/home/how-many-muslims-are-there-how-many-are-jihadis.
Why can’t the West get moving and DO something about this horrible islamic threat that is threatening the entire planet!!? Forget about climate change, etc., if moslems destroy life, societies and entire countries!