Islamist militants

Islamist militants tighten blockade on Mali capital Bamako

Islamist militants from JNIM have imposed a total blockade on Mali's capital Bamako, closing at least three of six main routes and stranding residents including a mother-of-two on the Bamako-Kéniéba highway. The blockade follows last weekend's coordinated attacks by jihadists and separatist rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front, who now control the northern city of Kidal after forcing Russian Africa Corps to withdraw. Several countries have urged citizens to leave Mali.