| [Maghrebia] Algeria, Mali, Niger and Mauritania will suspend their joint operation against al-Qaeda in the four countries' border region for two weeks, El Khabar reported on Monday (May 11th) citing a high-ranking security source. The decision aims at saving the lives of the British and Swiss hostages held by al-Qaeda in northern Mali while negotiations reportedly continue between terrorists, Malian mediators and Salafists living in Europe. The military forces already deployed in the region will remain in position. The release of the two hostages is expected in the coming weeks. |