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

(Patria) - Travel blogger Kristijan Iličić posted on Facebook saying that two Bosnian citizens, Mario Kokoruš and Marin Petrović, citizens of BiH who were abducted in Mali, are finally free.

"Folks, I haven't spoken about the case of our two travelers abducted in Mali until now, even though many have tagged me and asked on posts. I didn't want to post anything until it was all over, because in situations like this, every wrong word could have endangered their lives. Although numerous inaccurate pieces of 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 they are free. They are currently safe and on their way to the capital of Mali and will soon return to their families," wrote Iličić.

These two Bosnian citizens, originally from Visoko, went missing in early September in Mali. Information about their status was minimal throughout, and later information emerged that they were abducted 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 stopped checking 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 were the ones abducted. Their guide, whom I spoke with, managed to escape during the attack, but the driver was abducted 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 always strives to be well-connected and informed.

"In situations like this, that 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 behind it all was the jihadist group JNIM — an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in Mali. Later, various theories emerged: that they were being held by the authorities, that the security service had detained them, that it was about smuggling or espionage. But from the very start, it was clear that they were abducted by jihadists," he pointed out.

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

"They are experienced travelers who have visited over 100 countries. People who, like me, dreamed of visiting every country in the world, meeting people, cultures, and crossing borders with their hearts, not 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 under the complete control of 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 now say: 'What were they looking for 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 drives you to see the world, both the good and the bad in it. I know many will not understand that," he said.

Finally, he said that throughout these 50 days, he lived through everything together with their families.

"We were in contact every day, sharing information, hopes, fears, and anticipation. I know how hard it was for them not to know where their loved ones were, and they had to remain composed 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.