Italy Advises Nationals to Exit Mali Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis

Italy has issued a travel warning advising its citizens to leave Mali as security concerns escalate in the region. Al Qaeda-linked insurgents have initiated a fuel blockade, significantly intensifying the already tense situation.

The Italian Foreign Ministry has highlighted the severe fuel shortage faced by Mali, cautioning that it could further deteriorate the security environment, even in the capital city, Bamako. This precautionary measure follows a similar warning made by the United States to its citizens.

A spokesperson for the Italian foreign ministry indicated that approximately 70 Italians reside in Mali, primarily within Bamako. The insurgents, known as Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, declared a fuel blockade in early September, targeting convoys attempting to deliver fuel to the landlocked West African country or reach Bamako.