An aerial image shows a general view of Gao (file picture) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)The FCDO has updated its travel advice to Mali, urging people against all travel to the African country after reports of "coordinated attacks" emerged. The updated warning "against all travel" came after "attacks on 25 April in multiple locations in Mali," the FCDO.
The updated warning focused on the April 25 read: "A series of coordinated attacks occurred in multiple locations including Kidal, Gao, Kati, Sevare and in the vicinity of Bamako International Airport on 25th April, which has temporarily closed. If you are in Mali, you should stay indoors where possible, avoid crowded places and areas of military or police activity, and follow guidance issued by local authorities. We continue to advise against all travel to Mali."
A photo taken after previous attacks in the Bamako area in Mali. (Image: Getty)The FCDO's general advice on Mali also speaks about the ongoing "unpredictable security conditions" in the African nation.
It read: "If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.
"Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako."
The FCDO also said "support for British nationals is severely limited in Mali, especially outside Bamako," and is urging Brits to "not rely on FCDO being able to help you to evacuate in an emergency".
British nationals who are currently in Mali and need emergency help from the UK government, should contact the British Embassy in Bamako, the advice also said.
The attacks started earlier today (April 25), and Mali’s army said in a statement “unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital,” the city of Bamako.
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It added that soldiers were “currently engaged in eliminating the attackers”. Mali has been plagued by insurgencies fought by affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, as well as a separatist rebellion in the north. It is unclear who is behind the recent attacks at the moment.
In today's attacks, gunfire were also heard near Modibo Keïta International Airport. Gunfire exchanges were also reported in the city of Kidal.
Mali is currently ruled by a military junta led by Gen Assimi Goïta, who first seized power in a coup in 2020, promising to restore security and push back armed groups.