Mali: French forces claim to kill 20 militants in Gao region April 30

Event

A spokesman for the French Operation Barkhane forces in Mali reported on Sunday, April 30, that around 20 militants were killed during an operation in Gao region. The operation started on Saturday, April 29, with French aircraft conducting airstrikes against suspected supply depots in the Foulsare forest. Ground forces then moved into the area and killed or captured militants they encountered. Military officials said that a large amount of arms, ammunition, rocket launchers, and explosives were recovered.

Context

The Foulsare forest is located near the border with Burkina Faso. A French soldier was killed in the area on April 6. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a recently formed Al-Qa'ida alliance, claimed responsibility for the attack.

An increasing number of attacks have been reported in the border area with Burkina Faso, where security conditions appear to be deteriorating. Since late 2015, the area of operations for AQIM and affiliated groups has expanded from the extreme-risk north into central Mali, and the overall security situation continues to worsen. Attacks against Malian military personnel occur on an almost daily basis, and assassinations are frequent.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the country, all those present in Mali are advised to remain discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc. Individuals are also advised to avoid public events and places frequented by Westerners, to remain vigilant at all times (especially in local markets, now used by terrorists as recruitment grounds), and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.