In the early morning hours of March 7, 2015, heavily armed assailants attacked La Terrasse, a popular nightclub in the Hippodrome area of Bamako. Automatic rifle fire and explosives killed several Malians and expatriates and injured several more. The whereabouts of the perpetrators remains unknown. They are assumed to be at large and considered extremely dangerous.
While the U.S. Embassy is not aware of any specific additional threat information at this time, effective immediately, the Embassy has advised all staff and their families that they should avoid all restaurants, bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues commonly frequented by Westerners during the hours of darkness for the period starting Saturday evening March 7 through March 16, 2015, at which time the restriction will be re-assessed. Private U.S. citizens are advised to follow the same precautions. The U.S. Embassy has reminded staff that movement during daylight hours is preferred and far safer than at night.
U.S. citizens may see increases in security presence in response to this incident, with Malian security forces likely to show a heavy presence around Bamako over the next several days, including roadblocks and random police checkpoints, especially between sundown and sunup. U.S. citizens should exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times, vary routes, and take appropriate security precautions to ensure their own safety.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mali despite the Travel Warning enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mali. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Bamako is located at ACI 2000, Rue 243 Porte 297. The Consular Section can be contacted at +223 2070 2505, or via email at acsbamako@state.gov. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, please contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Marine Guard at +223 2070 2301 or 2070 2302.
