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Europeans 'kidnapped in Sahara' Europeans 'kidnapped in Sahara'
(30 minutes later)
Unknown attackers have kidnapped four European tourists near the border between Niger and Mali, Malian officials say.Unknown attackers have kidnapped four European tourists near the border between Niger and Mali, Malian officials say.
AFP news agency quoted a local governor as saying the hostages included two Swiss, one German and a Briton.AFP news agency quoted a local governor as saying the hostages included two Swiss, one German and a Briton.
They were returning from a festival on nomad culture in the border area when they were seized, officials say. The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed two citizens were missing, while UK and German officials were checking reports.
Northern Mali has been the scene of clashes between the army and Tuareg rebels in recent years.Northern Mali has been the scene of clashes between the army and Tuareg rebels in recent years.
Last month at least 20 people were said to have been killed and several taken hostage in a rebel attack on a military base in northern Mali.Last month at least 20 people were said to have been killed and several taken hostage in a rebel attack on a military base in northern Mali.
In the latest incident, officials said the four Europeans were returning from a festival on nomad culture in the border area when they were seized.