Mali: Red Cross vehicles hijacked in Timbuktu region August 10

Event

According to local media reports, unidentified gunmen targeted a convoy of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) vehicles in the Timbuktu region on Thursday, August 10. The attackers hijacked two of the vehicles while they were traveling near Adjibar, located along the road between Goundam and Gargando. No casualties have been reported from the attack.

Context

The Goundam-Gargando axis is located about 150 km (93 mi) west of the city of Timbuktu. Humanitarian organizations like the ICRC are becoming increasingly targeted by criminals and militant groups in the northern and central parts of the country. ICRC facilities in Kidal were robbed three separate times in recent months.

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 4000 troops who are stationed throughout the Sahel. Additionally, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.

Due to the underlying terrorist and kidnapping threats prevailing 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.