Mali: Dozens of troops killed in militant ambush in central Mali on June 14

Event

On Sunday, June 14, a dozen vehicles of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) came under attack in an ambush at Bouka Were, 60km (37 miles) from the Mauritanian border. At least 24 soldiers were reportedly killed, and eight survivors were found in the aftermath. An unknown number of soldiers remain unaccounted for. The incident followed a similar attack on a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) convoy in Gao region on Saturday, June 13, where two peacekeepers were killed.

A heightened security presence in the area is to be expected. Further militant attacks are likely in the near term.

Context

Due to the presence of various armed groups, Mali's northern and central regions remain unstable despite the presence of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world.

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.