Warning to travel to Mali

The United States State Department warns against the risk of displacement in Mali, citizens American and continues to advise against all travel in the North of the country because of the kidnapping threats against Westerners. This revision of the warning for Mali on February 9, 2011, provides updates to security and additional examples of violent acts carried out by the Islamic terrorist organization Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) lands in the region. As mentioned in the caution in the world of the Department of State, dated January 31, 2011, AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western targets. The Department is aware of several distinct sources of information indicating the continuing interest of the AQIM taken of Western hostages in the region of the Sahel. The Embassy of the United States in Bamako has issued several messages warden about these threats, such as the embassies of the United States in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and in Niamey, Niger.? January 5, 2011, an individual connections claiming AQIM attack the Embassy of France in Bamako with handgun and an improvised explosive device. Two injuries were reported. January 7, 2011, two French nationals have been kidnapped in Niamey, Niger. They were found dead less than 24 hours later, after a rescue attempt by forces French military and Niger. February 2, 2011, a vehicle containing explosive material is not to stop at a checkpoint security outside Nouakchott, Mauritania. Mauritanian security forces opened fire and the vehicle exploded, killing the passengers in the vehicle. Mauritanian security forces were on alert for vehicles suspected of AQIM recently can put in Mauritania to carry out terrorist attacks. In early February 2011, an Italian woman was abducted in the South of the Algeria, and it is possible that it takes place in northern Niger and Northern Mali.? In September 2010, seven people, including five French citizens of Togolese nationality and a Malagasy citizens, have been removed from the mining town of Arlit, Niger. All are still being held hostage by AQIM. July 24, 2010, AQIM executed a French hostage in retaliation for the killing of six members AQIM during a hostage rescue operation launched Mauritanian, with French aid in the North of Mali. Western participation in these operations, it is possible that AQIM will attempt to retaliatory attacks against Western targets of opportunity. AQIM has also claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of two officials of the United Nations citizen Canadian in Niger in December 2008, the removal of four European tourists in January 2009, on the border with Niger Mali, the murder of a British hostage of the group above in Mali in June 2009the murder of an American citizen in Mauritania in June 2009, suicide bomb near the Embassy of France in Mauritania on August 8, 2009 and the kidnappings of three Spanish and a French citizen in November 2009, two Italian citizens in December 2009et another national French (who was taken hostage in Niger in April 2010) et_puis assassinated on July 24, 2010, as stated above). In addition to threats posed by AQIM and potential hostage takers, violent clashes between rival weapons and drug traffickers have taken place in the North of Mali in the past year. The threat posed by AQIM, sporadic banditry and the porous nature of borders in the North of Mali with the Algeria, Niger and Mauritania strengthen security concerns for a long time regarding travel north of Mali. The State Department noted that the Embassy of the United States in Bamako has designated regions of northern Mali as "restricted without prior authorization" for purposes of travel by U.S. Government employees, contractors, grantees and their dependants. Before going in these regions, Government employees U.S. in Mali are required to have the written approval of the United States Ambassador to Mali. This designation is based on the presence of AQIM, and organized crime activity. This restriction applies not for travellers who are not associated with the Government of the United States, but that should be taken into account when planning trips. The restriction is in effect for the region of Kidal. the Gao region, including the road to Ansongo and the border with Niger; and in the region of Timbuktu. American citizens are specifically reminded that these areas include the site Timbuktu of the popular Festival in the desert music festival, as well as sites in the regions of Kidal and Gao where many other musical and cultural festivals are traditionally held between December and February. Note that - in addition to potential terrorist and criminal threats - these festivals are located in particularly remote areas, and the Embassy would provision of assistance extreme difficulty in an emergency situation should take place in one of them. The Embassy of the United States in Bamako strongly encourages us citizens who travel to or to remain in Mali despite this travel warning to register in the Smart traveller registration program (STEP), so you can receive more information security update. It is important the registration or the update information to include your current telephone number, and your current email address where join you emergency and update step each time there is a change to your information.? U.S. citizens should consult the specific sheet of countries to the Republic of Mali and the warning in the world, both located on the website of the Directorate-General of Consular Affairs of the Department of State. Updated information on the safety and security of information are available toll-free at1-888-407-4747 leave in the United States and the Canada, or, regular rate toll-free at 1-202-501-4444 calls outside of the United States and the Canada, from 8: 00 to 20: 00 time of waterway Monday to Friday (except holidays Federal of) (U.S.). You can also stay up-to-date by a bookmark to our Office of Consular Affairs website, which contains current travel alerts travel warnings as well as the warning around the world. Follow us on Twitter and the page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs on facebook as well. The Embassy of the United States in Bamako is located at the ACI 2000 at Rue 243, Porte 297. The Embassy address is B.P. 34, Bamako, Mali. The phone number, including the emergency slide shows, is (223) 2070-2300. Consular fax number is (223) 2070-2340.