Belgium Advises Citizens To Leave Mali

Belgian authorities have called on their nationals to leave Mali immediately. All travel to the West African nation is formally discouraged, following similar recommendations from France. The announcement was discussed on RTBF La Premiere. Brussels has decided that Belgian citizens must leave Mali as soon as possible. The decision follows large-scale attacks over the past weekend. Some parts of Mali are reportedly under the control of jihadist groups. The security situation in Mali remains highly uncertain. This warning follows rebel attacks on military targets in several regions, including the capital, Bamako, over the past weekend. David Jordes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the situation is deteriorating. The attacks have demonstrated the severity of the current security situation in the country. There is also a stated risk that the airport may close again.