Malian authorities create “military zones” in forests

As Mali faces growing internal strife from jihadist insurgencies and Tuareg separatist attacks, Malian authorities have announced the creation of closed “military zones” in around 40 forests, as reported by Maghrebi Week on June 15th.

Announced on June 5th, the “military zones” will be within national territory and off-limits to civilians; anyone found within the out-of-bounds area will be treated as a legitimate target by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA).

The areas affected contain forests suspected of harbouring militants from the al-Qaeda linked JNIM. The Wagadou forest, situated near the Mauritanian border, is among those affected, despite Mauritania denying the presence of JNIM fighters in its territory.

Maghrebi Week