Mali: Attack on military base in central Mali April 21

Event

Unidentified armed men launched an attack on a military base in Guiré (Koulikoro region) on Sunday, April 21, leaving at least 12 people dead. The Malian military confirmed the attack and said that reinforcements had been deployed to the area. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Further such incidents are likely in central Mali in the near term.

Context

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, nearly 200 MINUSMA troops have been killed in Mali, including one in an attack on April 20 in Mopti region.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.