[Maghrebia] Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb demanded the release of jailed members in exchange for three Spanish aid workers kidnapped in Mauritania, Spanish press reported on Thursday (December 10th). In an audio tape released on Wednesday, the terrorist group said that the three hostages were in "good health" and had been taken to "security bases". Some security sources believe the aid workers are being held in Northern Mali. The three Spanish nationals, including one woman, were kidnapped on November 29th in Mauritania while travelling in a solidarity caravan along the Nouadhibou-Nouakchott road. On December 8th, al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.