Risk Levels and Areas:
- Level 4: Evacuate Immediately / Avoid Travel (Ongoing)
- Entire border areas with Mali and Algeria, and some border areas with the eastern part of Western Sahara.
- Level 3: Avoid Travel (Ongoing)
- Areas of Tiris Zemmour (excluding the main road south of Zouerat), eastern Adrar (east of Wadan), Tagant, Assaba, Hodh El Gharbi, and Hodh El Charghi.
- Level 2: Avoid Non-Essential Travel (Ongoing)
- Northern part of Dakhlet Nouadhibou (border area with Western Sahara), Tiris Zemmour (region south of Zouerat), western Adrar (west of Wadan), Brakna, Gorgol, and Guidimaka (excluding Level 4 border areas with Mali).
- Level 1: Exercise Caution (Ongoing)
- All other areas, including the capital, Nouakchott.
Key Points:
- Travel is advised against in Tiris Zemmour (excluding the main road south of Zouerat).
- The border regions with Mali and Algeria are particularly dangerous due to the potential for terrorist and kidnapping activities by extremist groups.
- The Mauritanian Ministry of Defense has declared the vast desert areas in the eastern part of the country as military zones, and entry is prohibited.
- In Tiris Zemmour, there are conflicts between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front, and there have been incidents involving Moroccan drones.
Detailed Situation:
- General Overview:
- Since 2012, there have been no major terrorist incidents in Mauritania itself, though in March 2023, terrorists escaped from a prison in Nouakchott, leading to a manhunt.
- Nearby countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have seen numerous terrorist activities. Kidnapping incidents in Mali, including the abduction of Chinese nationals in 2021, highlight ongoing risks in border regions.
- Mauritania’s government has strengthened border security and road checkpoints, but recent events, such as the terrorist escape and planned attacks, indicate potential risks from terrorist organizations.
- Regional Breakdown:
- Level 4 Areas: Include the border areas with Mali and Algeria, and parts of Western Sahara. These areas face high risks from cross-border terrorist activities and lack clear border markers, increasing the risk of accidental crossings.
- Level 3 Areas: Excludes certain parts of Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, and other regions with ongoing regional conflicts and prohibitions on desert access.
- Level 2 Areas: Include regions with military and security operations; however, desert travel requires careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Level 1 Areas: The capital and other safer regions still require caution due to occasional incidents and underlying threats.
Travel Advice:
- Avoid traveling to high-risk areas regardless of the purpose.
- For necessary travel, ensure safety measures are in place, use reliable guides, and avoid areas with recent conflict.
- Stay informed through official sources and be vigilant, particularly in urban areas with rising crime rates.
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