erstellt am: 10. März 2000 17:09         

Three Dutch desert travellers were killed in the north of Mali, probably by
cigarette smugglers, in the week of February 25 th.,last.

The three men, A. Uittenboogaard (44), F. Smit (41) and H. Sint (37) were
very experienced Sahara travellers, with extensive local know-how, relevant
equipment, well versed in navigation and fluent in Arabic. Smit was a
diplomat and arabist, having worked in the region for many years.

Because it was at first thought that a kidnapping had taken place,
assistance from a special search and negociation team from the Dutch
Police was offered and accepted by Malinese authorities. A unit of the
Malinese army, with three Dutch police specialists, found the bodies of the
men, shot at short distance through the chest.

Their vehicles and equipment have not yet been found.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The Dutch Ministry for Foreign Affairs seesno reason for giving a negative
travel advice for the region.

Best Regards,