Dubai. (Reuters) .- A spokesman for Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has confirmed to Al Arabiya television the kidnapping of Italian Sandra Maria Mariani, occurred in southern Algeria in early February. Before contact with the terrorist group, the chain had access to an audio recording in which the hostage said that still remains held in the Islamic Maghreb, information that had been challenged by local newspapers.
"I am Mary Sandra Mariani, Italian women kidnapped on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 near Djanet, Algeria. I call on Al Arabiya to publish this message. Thank you," says the video, recorded in French. The Italian, 56 years old, was kidnapped while traveling from Djanet, where she had gone for supplies, to Alidena.
One of the two groups that were able to intercept the vehicle, but released to the tourist guide and the cook who accompanied the woman. Hours after the arrest, the group allowed Mariani telephone the director of the agency that arranged the stay in the African country, to inform him of the situation.
Immediately afterwards, he warned the security forces, said a source quoted by the Algerian APS agency. AQIM has carried out numerous kidnappings of foreigners in the south, where militants have retreated due to pressure from local forces in the north. Thus, its scope has expanded into the desert area that links Algeria, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. 
"I am Mary Sandra Mariani, Italian women kidnapped on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 near Djanet, Algeria. I call on Al Arabiya to publish this message. Thank you," says the video, recorded in French. The Italian, 56 years old, was kidnapped while traveling from Djanet, where she had gone for supplies, to Alidena.
One of the two groups that were able to intercept the vehicle, but released to the tourist guide and the cook who accompanied the woman. Hours after the arrest, the group allowed Mariani telephone the director of the agency that arranged the stay in the African country, to inform him of the situation.
Immediately afterwards, he warned the security forces, said a source quoted by the Algerian APS agency. AQIM has carried out numerous kidnappings of foreigners in the south, where militants have retreated due to pressure from local forces in the north. Thus, its scope has expanded into the desert area that links Algeria, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
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