Mali: JNIM claims responsibility for Campement Kangaba attack /update 3

Event

The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has claimed responsibility for the attack carried out at the Le Campement Kangaba resort in Dougourakoro (approximately 10 km [6 mi] east of the capital city Bamako) on Sunday, June 18. Five people - French-Malian, French-Gabonese, Chinese, and Portuguese nationals as well as a Malian soldier - were killed in the attack.

According to the Minister of Security, security forces killed four attackers and arrested five others.

Context

The JNIM has claimed responsibility for several attacks in the country since its formation in March 2017. JNIM, an Al-Qa'ida affiliate, formed out of a merger between Ansar Dine, Al-Mourabitoun, and the Macina Liberation Front. The group is led by Iyad Ag Ghali, the veteran leader of Ansar Dine

Le Campement Kangaba is a popular destination for foreign tourists and government officials. According to an official from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA), personnel from the French military mission in Mali, the European Union, and the United Nations were present at the resort last weekend. 

Mali has been under a state of emergency since November 2015, when armed men stormed the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, leaving at least 20 people dead (including 14 foreign nationals). The attack was later claimed by militant group Al-Mourabitoun, in conjunction with AQIM. The state of emergency was most recently extended in April 2017 (currently in effect through October). On June 9, the United States Embassy in Mali had issued a warning concerning an "increased threat" of terrorist attacks in Mali, notably locations frequented by Westerners.

Advice

The security environment in Mali remains complex, particularly in the north and central regions. 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. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.