US warns citizens not to travel to Mali in security alert
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The US Embassy in Mali has issued a security alert warning Americans not to travel to the West Africa country "due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping".
A the travel advisory posted on the website of the Embassy on Saturday said last Friday, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members "due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks in areas frequented by westerners".
It said the U.S. Embassy "continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Mali".
The Embassy's country summary reads: "Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali’s southern regions. Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night."
The Embassy noted that terrorist and armed groups continue plotting kidnappings and attacks in Mali, stressing they may attack with little or no warning, targeting night clubs, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, international diplomatic missions, and other locations frequented by westerners.
It said attacks may target Malian government offices, infrastructure, or locations frequented by westerners.
"The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout much of Mali as U.S. government employee travel outside Bamako is restricted due to security concerns."
Mali has seen an uptick in jihadist attacks with arguably the most daring in recent times being the one on the main military base at Kati, about 15 Km from the capital, Bamako, on 22 July.
The military junta said that two cars packed with explosives were detonated at the military base where the leader of the military junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, and several military leaders reside.
An al-Qaida local affiliate, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), claimed responsibiity for the attack.
Colonel Goïta seized power in August 2020 and has just agreed to a transition timetable leading to elections in March 2024.
Mali has been fighting jihadists for about one decade before, causing insecurity, huge casualties, destruction, and poverty.
-0- PANA MA 31July2022
