Mali: Shells hit Mopti Airport (near Sévaré) July 23 /update 3

Event

Suspected militants shelled Mopti Airport (MZI), near Sévaré (Mopti region), on the evening of Monday, July 23 (local time). No casualties were immediately reported, and no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Additional militant attacks are possible in Mopti region and elsewhere in the country ahead of the presidential election scheduled Sunday, July 29.

Context

In June, Al-Qa'ida-affiliated militants attacked the headquarters of the G5 Sahel - a transnational security and development alliance including Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad - in Sévaré, resulting in six deaths. 

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of MINUSMA, one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world, and a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex. 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.