Al Qaeda’s wing in North Africa said three Spanish hostages and a Frenchman they are holding were in good health and being treated well, according to a statement posted on the Internet yesterday.
“The captives are in good health and are being treated according to Islamic sharia (law),” said a statement from Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb posted on Islamist websites.
Earlier this week, the group said it was responsible for the kidnapping in November of three Spanish aid workers in Mauritania and one Frenchman in Mali, Al Jazeera television reported.
The statement appeared to be the text of an audio taped claim reported by the Qatar-based network.
“France and Spain will be informed later of the legitimate demands of the mujahedeen,” said the statement, as also reported by Al Jazeera.
Three Spanish aid workers disappeared in Mauritania on Nov. 29 and a Frenchman in Mali on Nov.26.
