DAKAR: Gunmen have kidnapped five Indian nationals in Mali, their company and a security source said on Friday, as the west African country struggles with mounting unrest and militant violence.

The workers were abducted Thursday by gunmen near Kobri, in western Mali, according to the security source who spoke anonymously.

They are employed by a company that works on electrification projects.

A representative from the company confirmed the kidnapping of the five Indian nationals.

Additionally, the other Indians working for the company have been evacuated to Bamako, the capital.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings so far.

Mali, currently governed by a military junta, is facing challenges in containing surging unrest attributed to criminal groups and militants linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh.

This unrest has further complicated an economic crisis in the impoverished country where the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has imposed a fuel blockade that exacerbates the situation.

Kidnappings targeting foreigners are common occurrences in Mali, which has experienced coups and conflicts since 2012.

In September, JNIM militants kidnapped two Emirati nationals and an Iranian near Bamako.

The victims were released last week after negotiations, reportedly for a ransom of at least $50 million.