Mali: Further armed clashes likely following Sept. 6 militant attack on Talataye in Gao Region

Event

Further armed clashes are likely in the Ansongo Cercle over the coming days after a Sept. 6 attack against the village of Talataye by militants reportedly from Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). The assault erupted into a three-way battle between ISGS and two rival groups - the Al-Qaida-affiliated Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and the largely ethnic Tuareg Movement for the Salvation of the Azawad (MSA) - with the Malian armed forces ultimately launching air strikes in the area. There are conflicting reports on the number of casualties, with most recent estimates ranging between 30 and 45 non-combatant civilian fatalities.

While the exact situation on the ground remains unclear, the village of Talataye was reportedly under ISGS control as of Sept. 9. The Malian military is monitoring the situation and further government action in the form of air strikes or ground operations cannot be ruled out. Additional clashes between rival armed groups are also likely.

Context

Talataye has been plagued by clashes between competing armed groups since the crisis in Mali first emerged in 2012. The village is located about 160 km (104 miles) northeast of Gao and sits at the junction of the zones of control of multiple rival groups. The MSA has been responsible for the security of Talataye under an agreement with the nation's central government in Bamako.

Advice

If operating in Ansongo Cercle, exercise extreme caution until the situation stabilizes; consider deferring non-essential travel. Conduct travel during daylight hours with a security escort and only following a review of the route. Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.