Mali: MINUSMA camp attacked in Timbuktu April 22

Event

On Sunday, April 22, suspected Islamist militants launched a shelling attack against a military camp used by the UN MINUSMA peacekeeping operation and the Malian army in Timbuktu (Tombouctou region). No casualties were reported. The attack came shortly after the Malian army announced that that 15 Islamist militants had been killed in an operation on Friday, April 20, in the Tina Forest (Mopti region). 

Furthermore, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an armed Islamist group, claimed responsibility for a recent attack that targeted the MINUSMA and Barkhane camp in Timbuktu, in which one peacekeeper was killed and 14 soldiers - seven peacekeepers and seven French troops - were injured.

Context

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 stationed throughout the Sahel, in addition to the presence of local military troops.

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.