Mali: Militants kill six in rocket attack in Mondoro (Mopti region) March 1

Event

On Sunday night (local time), March 1, militants carrying rocket launchers attacked a checkpoint in Mondoro (Mopti region), killing six people and wounding ten others. Local officials claimed the militants fired the rocket launchers at parked military vehicles and were engaged in clashes with security forces for about an hour, with soldiers killing an unspecified number of militants and destroying militant materiel in the counterattack.

Similar militant attacks are possible in Mopti region over the near term.

Context

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.