“American citizens should leave the country by commercial aircraft, as land routes to neighboring countries may not be safe for travel due to terrorist attacks along the nation’s highways,” the embassy’s security alert said.
Remaining Americans are advised to prepare contingency plans, including the possibility of needing to shelter in place for an extended period of time. The embassy announced last Friday that minor diplomatic staff and their families would leave Mali amid rising tensions.
“US citizens should continue to avoid travel to Mali,” the embassy said, adding that it cannot provide emergency services or support outside of Bamako.
Additionally, they urged Americans to avoid demonstrations and roadblocks, remain alert, be aware of their surroundings, maintain communication and have travel documents available.
Mali has been facing a fuel supply crisis for weeks. Armed groups block routes used by fuel tankers. Long queues formed at gas stations, while public transport and taxis were seriously disrupted.
On Sunday, Mali suspended classes in schools across the country for two weeks. Higher education institutions in the capital also said they were forced to suspend classes, citing the inability of students and teachers to reach campus due to fuel shortages.
(Vijesti.ba)
