Mali: Death toll rises from militant attack in Gao region November 18 /update 1

Event

Military officials confirmed that at least 24 soldiers were killed and another 29 were wounded following an assault on a joint Malian-Nigerien army patrol in Tabankort (Gao region) on Monday, November 18. According to an official statement, 17 militants were killed and an unspecified number of others detained following the gun battle. As of Monday evening (local time), no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar attacks are possible in northern Mali over the near term.

Context

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite a French-led intervention launched in 2013 that drove many extremists from their strongholds. France maintains approximately 4500 troops stationed throughout the Sahel.

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.