Mali: Attack leaves four dead in Bandiagara cercle (Mopti region) August 15 /update 2

Event

An attack by unidentified assailants left at least four civilians dead in Bandiagara cercle (Mopti region) on Thursday, August 15. The incident took place in Goundaka village, according to local reports. Unidentified gunmen have staged deadly attacks targeting villages across Bandiagara cercle in previous weeks; as such, similar attacks are possible in the area over 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, 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.