Mali's capital, Bamako, is under a partial blockade by Islamist militants from the group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), days after the country's defense minister was assassinated. Residents are stranded on major highways, unable to re-enter the city of over three million people.
Eyewitnesses report that at least three of six main routes into Bamako are closed for hours at a time. The blockade follows last weekend's coordinated attacks by an alliance of jihadists and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) seeking to overthrow the military regime of General Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a 2020 coup.
Mali's army, supported by the Russian paramilitary Africa Corps, has been battling the insurgents. Russian forces were recently forced to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal, now under FLA control. The Kremlin has vowed to remain in Mali to combat terrorism.
A total blockade has also been imposed on Ségou, a town less than 80 miles from the capital, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Passengers, including families, are stuck without food or water. Junta leader Goïta has vowed tough action, but analysts say the regime is weak and unable to restore security.
Several countries, including France, Canada, and the UK, have urged their citizens to leave Mali. The US recommends staying at home.