Mali: French forces kill 50 terrorists during operations February 9-17 /update 1

Event

On Thursday, February 20, the French Ministry of Defense announced that the French military had carried out two operations near Mopti targeting Al-Qa'ida (AQ) and Islamic State (IS) affiliated groups between Sunday, February 9, and Monday, February 17. In the first operation, air strikes and combat helicopter engagement "neutralized" approximately 20 militants northwest of Mopti. Another 30 jihadist militants were killed in a second operation, which took place south of Mopti.

Similar military operations are expected over the near term.

Context

On Sunday, February 2, French Defense Minister Florence Parly announced that 600 additional soldiers will be deployed into the Sahel to join Operation Barkhane. This will increase the number of French troops in the region to 5100.

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.