Mali: Gunmen kill ten in Bankass Circle (Mopti region) March 9

Event

On Monday, March 9, unidentified gunmen attacked the village of Kourkanda, (Mopti region) near the Burkinabe border, killing ten civilians. According to media sources, the gunmen arrived in motorbikes and started shooting at around 20:00 (local time), leaving the village to ashes.

No group has claimed responsibility for either attack as of Friday, March 13.

Similar gunmen attacks are possible in Mopti region 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.

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.