Al-Qa'ida beheads French hostage in Mali

Wednesday 20 March 2013 01:00 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Frenchman taken hostage in northern Mali was beheaded by al-Qa'ida in retaliation for France's military intervention in the African country, it was reported.

A spokesman for al-Qa'ida's North African arm told Mauritania's ANI news agency that Philippe Verdon had been executed on 10 March. Mr Verdon, 55, was one of two French hostages captured in the town of Hombori in November 2011. France's Foreign Ministry declined to comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Al-Qa'ida beheads French hostage in Mali

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering