Russia's Africa Corps rescues Russian and Ukrainian captives in Niger
AP News
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Russia's Africa Corps has freed a Russian citizen and a Ukrainian abducted by an al-Qaida affiliate in Niger.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced the rescue on Tuesday.
The captives, Oleg Gret and Yuri Yurov, appeared in a video by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, a group controlling parts of the Sahel.
The operation took place in Mali.
The abduction was a setback for Russia, which has gained influence in the region amid dissatisfaction with France.
The Africa Corps, replacing the Wagner Group, led the mission.
The freed hostages will be flown to Moscow for treatment and rehabilitation.