The number 1 suspect in the kidnapping and assassination of RFI journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon in 2013 was killed on Saturday June 5 by a French strike about 10 kilometers from Aguelhok, in northern Mali.
Several local sources confirmed to Wassim Nasr, a specialist in jihadist movements at France 24, the death of Baye Ag Bakabo.
Originally from the Adrar des Ifoghas, Baye Ag Bakabo was at the crossroads of trafficking and jihadist circles in Mali.
His responsibility for the kidnapping was established by the use of his personal vehicle, as well as by several phone calls made to officials of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
#Mali according to several Baye Ag own sources #Bakabo #AQMI, involved in the hostage taking of journalists Ghislaine Dupont & Claude Verlon from @RFI in #Kidal on 2 Nov 2013, died following a French strike ~ 10 km south - is from # AguelHok pic.twitter.com/gTJf9GSt10
- Wassim Nasr (@SimNasr) June 11, 2021
The Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, confirmed in a press release on Friday the death of "Baye ag Bakabo, AQIM executive and responsible for the kidnapping of our fellow citizens" Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, as well as three other jihadists in this French strike .
Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon were killed on November 2, 2013 after being kidnapped in Kidal, where they were reporting for RFI.
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