In Mali, the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has announced a blockade on major roads leading to the city of Kayes in the country’s west.
Armed men reportedly intercepted trucks transporting goods to Bamako, setting some of them on fire, raising fears of worsening insecurity in the region.
The development underscores growing terrorist activity in Kayes, a region that had previously been less affected by violent extremism compared to central and northern Mali.
The Malian army has urged calm, assuring residents that proactive measures are being taken to secure the area and restore safe passage along the road.
