Mali: 19 killed in Talataye attack (Gao region) May 26

Event

On Saturday, May 26, unidentified gunmen attacked members of the pro-government Movement for Salvation of Azawad (MSA) militia as well as civilians in Talataye (Gao region), killing at least seven civilians and four MSA combatants. Eight of the assailants were also killed by MSA troops. Further such attacks are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Due to the presence of these and various other 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.

Hundreds of people, including a large number of civilians - notably belonging to the Fulani and Tuareg communities - have perished in recent months in northern and central Mali as a result of attacks by rival armed groups. Rates of violence have increased as resources have become scarcer, reinforcing long-standing suspicion and hostility on all sides. Illicit weapons trading and the presence of armed groups with connections to terrorist organizations have rendered these clashes particularly deadly.

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.