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The economics of kidnapping

How the criminal underworld operates the ransom business.
Philippine soldiers walk along a highway as they return to camp after an armed encouter with members of militant kidnap-for-ransom group, Abu Sayyaf, in the Sulu province on the southern island of Mindanao on August 26, 2016.
STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images

Increased security could come to U.S. soft targets

Nov 23, 2015
After a terrorist attack in Mali, are major hotels in the U.S. beefing up security?

Death toll rises after terrorists attack a symbol of commerce in Kenya

Sep 23, 2013
Dozens are dead as a siege at a Kenyan mall enters its third day.

Hostages held at natural gas facility in Algeria

Jan 17, 2013
There is a fast-moving hostage crisis this morning at a natural gas complex in Algeria. The complex is run by BP and Statoil. Islamist militants attacked the facility apparently in protest of France's intervention in Mali.

France accused of fostering market in hostages

Mar 12, 2012
Despite official denials, France is accused of being too ready to pay ransoms for hostages -- and so encouraging kidnappers to abduct its citizens.