Islamic State-affiliated militants have freed four Moroccan truck drivers who were kidnapped in January while crossing from Burkina Faso to Niger.
The drivers and their three trucks disappeared in an area known for jihadist threats.
State media reported that the men were shown alongside Mali junta leader Assimi Goita in footage broadcast on Monday night, confirming their release on Sunday.
The release is attributed to cooperation between Mali and Morocco’s security and intelligence services, highlighting growing ties between the two countries.
Morocco has drawn closer to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are battling militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.
In April, the foreign ministers of these countries endorsed an initiative allowing them access to global trade through Morocco’s Atlantic ports.
This development comes as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger face diplomatic isolation after announcing their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and halting defense cooperation with Western forces in favor of Russia.
Morocco’s mediation efforts have also secured the release of four French nationals held in Burkina Faso for a year.
