'How are we going to get back home?' Islamist group tightens blockade on Mali capital
Summary
Islamist militants in Mali have increased their control over the capital city, Bamako, by partially blocking major roads in and out of the city. This follows recent attacks by jihadist and separatist groups in the north and the killing of Mali’s defence minister, causing many residents and travelers to be stranded and worried about safety and access to supplies.Key Facts
- Bamako, Mali’s capital with over three million people, is under a partial blockade by the Islamist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).
- JNIM has warned that no one will be allowed to enter the city, leading to road closures lasting several hours.
- The blockade comes after coordinated attacks by jihadists and separatists, including the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), aiming to overthrow Mali’s military government.
- Mali’s army is supported by Russian paramilitary forces from the Africa Corps, which pulled back from the northern city of Kidal after rebel advances.
- The FLA now controls Kidal and threatens to take over more northern cities unless Russian forces leave Mali.
- The head of Mali’s military government, General Assimi Goïta, promised to take strong action against the rebels but acknowledged the situation’s difficulty.
- Many people, including families and drivers, are stuck on roads leading to Bamako without enough food or water.
- Several Western countries have advised their citizens to leave Mali or avoid travel due to the ongoing conflict and instability.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.