Three Saudis killed by gunmen in Niger

Niamey, 29 Dec-(ANA)-Three Saudi Arabian citizens were killed by gunmen on Monday while travelling in a car near Niger's border with Mali in West Africa, a Niger government spokesman said.

Three other people in the group of eight travellers were seriously wounded in the attack and transported to hospital in Niamey, Communication Minister Kassoum Moctar said on state radio.

"Niger's government deplores these barbarous acts that were unfortunately perpetrated on its territory, and offers its condolences to the Saudi government," he said.

The group was made up of six Saudi nationals and two Malians and was travelling to Mali.

Military sources said the attack appeared to have been a botched hostage-taking and added that security forces had arrested three suspects since the incident. (ANA)

FA/ANA/29 December 2009---