France Tells Citizens to Leave Mali Immediately After Weekend Attacks
France Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Mali
Background of the Security Situation
PARIS, April 29 (Reuters) - France has urged its nationals in Mali to leave "as soon as possible" following coordinated attacks at the weekend, including in the capital Bamako, a travel advice update for the West African country said.
Guidance for French Nationals
The security situation remains volatile and pending their departure, French citizens should stay at home, limit movement and follow instructions from local authorities while keeping relatives informed, the French foreign ministry said. All travel to Mali is strongly discouraged, the update said.
Details of the Weekend Attacks
West Africa's al Qaeda affiliate and a Tuareg-dominated separatist group hit Mali's main army base and the area near Bamako's airport in the attacks on Saturday, while also pushing Russian troops supporting government forces out of the strategic town of Kidal in the north.
Malian Government Response
The leader of Mali's military government vowed on Tuesday to "neutralize" those responsible.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
