Sahel: Al-Qa’ida calls for attacks against Western companies

Event

On Tuesday, May 8, al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) called for attacks to be carried out against Western companies throughout the Sahel region (North and West Africa).

Attacks by AQIM and affiliated groups targeting Western companies, their assets, and personnel, are possible in the region in the coming months. Heightened security measures and continued military and counterterrorism operations are to be anticipated in countries throughout the Sahel region.

Context

Terrorism has become an increasingly serious security threat in the Sahel region. AQIM currently operates in Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, and Tunisia.

Advice

Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevalent in the region, individuals 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.