afrol News, 11 March - Northern Taureg rebel group led by Ibrahim Ag Bahanga in Mali at the weekend freed the remaining 22 hostages held since August last year, the governor of the northern Kidal capital said.

The hostages, who are believed to be in excellent health condition, were freed after an intervention by the Libyan government. Bahanga's group has been based in the mountainous desert area along the Mali-Algeria border.

The northern region had been the centre of heavy fighting between government forces and rebels. The rebels are known for abduction of civilians and soldiers.

It had earlier released hostages held on 26 August in September, December and January following the successful mediation of the Algerian government.

The Taureg rebels and the government of Mali had earlier signed a peace accord in the Algerian capital Algiers in two years ago. Under the accord, the rebels said they would drop their autonomous demands if the government was ready to develop the three northern regions - Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu.

However, this was rejected by Bahanga's group that launched attacks on two military barracks in Kidal city, reviving its calls for the autonomy of north-western region.

Conflict in the region has posed security threats to the neighbouring Algeria as well.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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