Mali: Operation ongoing amid attack at resort outside Bamako June 18 /update 2

Event

At least two people have been killed in the ongoing attack at Le Campement Kangaba resort in Dougourakoro (approximately 10 km [6.2 mi] east of the capital city Bamako), which began at approximately 17:50 (local time) on Sunday, June 18. Officials have confirmed that one of the fatalities is a French-Gabonese citizen; no information has been provided concerning the identity of the second fatality. At least 14 more people - both Malian and foreign nationals - have reportedly been injured. However, authorities have stated that 36 hostages have been rescued thus far. As of shortly after midnight, it is unclear whether, or how many, more hostages remain trapped in the compound.

The situation is ongoing and security forces are working to clear the compound of the attackers. Authorities are treating the incident as terrorism, although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Avoid the area.

Context

Le Campement Kangaba is a popular destination for tourists (including Westerners) and government officials. According to an official from MINUSMA, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, personnel from the French military mission in Mali, the European Union, and the United Nations were present at the resort this weekend.  On June 9, the United States Embassy in Mali issued a warning concerning an "increased threat" of terrorist attacks in Mali, notably locations frequented by Westerners.

Mali has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when armed men stormed the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, leaving at least 20 people dead (including 14 foreign nationals). The attack was later claimed by militant group Al-Mourabitoun, in conjunction with Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The state of emergency was most recently extended in April 2017 (in effect through October).

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid the Dougourakoro area until authorities have given the all-clear. A heightened security presence is likely in and around Bamako in the coming hours and days; anticipate potential transportation delays and increased security checks.