Mali: Militants fire rockets at peacekeeper camp in Timbuktu May 3

Event

Militants fired at least six rockets into the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) camp at the Timbuktu Airport on Tuesday, May 3. According to MINUSMA officials, initial reports indicate that at least nine peacekeepers were wounded, four of them seriously. There was also material damage to the camp. Media sources have said that one peacekeeper was killed but those reports have not been confirmed.

Context

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a recently formed Al-Qa'ida ally, is suspected of firing the rockets.

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4000 troops who are stationed throughout the Sahel. Additionally, the United Nations' ongoing presence in the country, MINUSMA, is one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world.

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.