Mali: Seven soldiers killed in IED explosion in Mopti region March 12

Event

According to a UN security official, seven Malian soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck a mine near Dialloubé (Mopti region) on Tuesday, March 12. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Similar incidents are possible in Mopti region over the near term.

Context

This most recent attack follows a complex attack on a French military outpost in Abakar (Ménaka region) on March 10, which left at least two soldiers seriously wounded.

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world. Since 2013, some 170 peacekeepers have been killed in Mali.

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.