MADRID: A Spanish national was kidnapped in North Africa, according to the Foreign Ministry, without revealing further details.
El Pais reported the individual was abducted in southern Algeria by Islamists and taken to Mali.
The Foreign Ministry, however, did not verify the report provided by El Pais.
“A Spanish citizen is confirmed held against their will in North Africa,” a ministry spokesperson stated Friday.
“The Spanish government is actively investigating and working to resolve the Kidnapped situation,” the official added.
Spain faces ongoing tensions between Morocco and Algeria over Western Sahara, a former Spanish-controlled region.
Western Sahara is now claimed by Morocco, while the Algeria-supported Polisario Front demands its independence.
