According to a new UN report, most of the money was redistributed to fighters in the Sahel, while some was passed on to Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula and to the group’s central command.

According to a new UN report, most of the money was redistributed to fighters in the Sahel, while some was passed on to Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in the Arabian Peninsula and to the group’s central command.

LONDON, Aug 15 - An estimated $50 million ransom paid to free a hostage seized by al Qaeda-linked militants in Mali in late 2025 has helped to fund their advances across West Africa and the group's global network, U.N. experts said. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

A US$50 million ransom paid in 2025 funded Al Qaeda’s Mali offensive, boosting militants across West Africa and their global network, says UN report. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.