Mauritania: Armed forces to conduct military exercises northwest of Nouakchott, July 17-19

The armed forces of Mauritania have announced planned military exercises northwest of Nouakchott, starting late July 17-19. The nation's General Staff of the Army has advised the public that the exercise will occur along the Nouakchott-Akjoujt axis. According to military officials, residents of Nouakchott - particularly those of the Tawila region - may hear the sounds of daytime and nighttime explosions and gunfire during the training drills; authorities have urged the public not to be concerned and not to travel on the Nouakchott-Akjoujt road near the exercise area.

Regardless of the General Staff's public announcement, the exercise could prompt some localized business and transport disruptions along the northwest axis between Nouakchott and Akjoujt. Previous similar training sessions by the Mauritanian military have largely transpired without significant incident.