June 25, 2014: Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Ongoing Law Enforcement Operations in Bamako
The U.S. Embassy in Mali is issuing this security message to alert U.S. citizens to the fact that Malian Gendarmerie conducted an operation in the ACI-2000 neighborhood in Bamako in the early morning hours of June 25, 2014 to apprehend suspects who escaped from the Bamako Central Prison last week. Gendarmerie confirmed that in their continuing effort to locate and capture escapees, they encountered a suspect, and gunfire ensued. One prison escapee was confirmed to have been captured by Malian authorities, and one other individual was killed.
The U.S. Embassy has notified its staff that suspects remain at large and security forces intend to continue efforts to locate them. It has also reminded Embassy personnel that movement throughout the city, particularly in the evening and nighttime hours of darkness, can be dangerous. The U.S. Embassy has advised its personnel and family members to exercise sound judgment and maintain a good security mindset, and private U.S. citizens should consider doing the same. The U.S. Embassy has also discouraged its staff from any walking, jogging, etc. outside of secure residences during the hours of darkness.
The U.S. Embassy in Mali reminds U.S. citizens to review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. If you happen to be in an area in which a demonstration is occurring, try to leave the area. If this is not possible, try maintaining a low profile until such time as you are able to leave the area.
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). 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.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution and travel information, including the Travel Warning for Mali, and Country Specific Information. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
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 consularbamako@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.
