Bosnian citizens Kokoruš and Petrović, who were kidnapped in Mali, are finally free

(Patria) - Travel blogger Kristijan Iličić announced on Facebook that the two Bosnian citizens Mario Kokoruš and Marin Petrović, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina who were kidnapped in Mali, are finally free.

"Folks, I haven't reported on the case of the two of our travelers kidnapped in Mali yet, although many have tagged me and asked me in posts. I didn't want to publish anything until everything was over, because in situations like these, any wrong word could endanger their lives. Although numerous inaccurate information appeared in the media, I decided to remain silent and not talk about what I knew for their safety. Now I can tell you that they are free. They are currently safe and on their way to the capital of Mali and will soon return to their families," Iličić wrote.

These two Bosnian citizens, originally from Visoko, disappeared in early September in Mali. Information about their status was minimal all the time, and later information emerged that they were kidnapped by members of the militant terrorist group JNIM (Jama'at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin).

"More than 50 days ago, almost 48 hours after they hadn't reported in, the wife of one of them contacted me. She was worried, felt something was wrong, and asked if I could help in any way. A few hours later, through my contacts in Mali, I learned that an armed attack had occurred on the road between the towns of Bla and San on the way to Mopti, and that they had been kidnapped. Their guide, with whom I spoke, managed to escape during that attack, but the driver was kidnapped along with them. After a few days, the driver was released, and he later described to me in detail what happened," Iličić stated.

He emphasized that he travels to the most remote and often most dangerous parts of the world, but that he always tries to be well-connected and informed.

"In situations like these, it often means the difference between speculation and truth. Contacts on the ground and the trust I have built over the years with people around the world proved crucial this time as well. I immediately informed the authorities, embassies, and their families. From the very beginning, it was clear that a jihadist group JNIM - an Al-Qaeda branch operating in Mali - was behind everything. Later, various theories emerged: that they were being held by the authorities, that they were detained by the security service, that it was about smuggling or espionage. But from the very beginning, it was clear that jihadists had kidnapped them," he pointed out.

After more than 50 days of captivity, they were finally released.

"They are experienced travelers who have visited over 100 countries in the world. People who, like me, dreamed of visiting every country in the world, getting to know people, cultures, and crossing borders with their hearts, not with fear. I passed through Mali two and a half years ago. Along with Haiti, Mali is currently the most dangerous country in the world. I traveled through the same area and much deeper, through regions completely controlled by extremists. I spent 50 hours on a boat, hiding from terrorists in an even more dangerous part of the country. I knew how thin the line was between adventure and tragedy. Fully aware of all the risks. That's why I understand them. Many will condemn and say now: 'What were they doing there? Why did they take the risk?'. But those who have felt the adrenaline of the unknown at least once know that it is not madness. It is a calling. That inner voice that urges you to see the world and the good and bad in it. I know that many will not understand," he said.

In the end, he said that he experienced all of this for all 50 days together with their families.

"We were in contact every day, sharing information, hopes, fears, and anticipation. I know how difficult it was for them not to know where their loved ones were, yet they had to remain calm and believe that everything would end well. I am glad that this story ended happily. That they are alive and returning to their families," Iličić concluded.