The
US Department of State warns its citizens of the risks of traveling
to Mauritania, and urges extreme caution for those
who choose to travel to Mauritania, because of
activities by the terrorist group al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
(AQIM). AQIM
continues to demonstrate its intent and ability
to conduct attacks against foreign nationals, including US citizens.
This
replaces the Travel Warning for Mauritania,
issued on October 10, 2011, to update information on security incidents
and remind
travelers of security concerns.
The
US Embassy in Nouakchott recommends against all non-essential travel
to the border regions of Guidimagha, the Hodh El
Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions of
southeastern Mauritania, the eastern half of the Assaba region (east of
Kiffa), the
eastern half of the Tagant region (east of
Tidjika), the eastern half of the Adrar region (east of Chinguetti), and
the Zemmour
region of northern Mauritania because of the
security risk and the threat of kidnapping to Westerners by AQIM.
As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide Caution, AQIM has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.
As
a result of perceived Western involvement in counter-terrorism efforts,
AQIM has declared its intention to attack Western
targets. It is possible that AQIM will attempt
retaliatory attacks against Western targets of opportunity. While
military
intervention has moved active terrorist
operations to the Malian border regions, AQIM-affiliated support systems
for logistics
and information are present in Mauritania.
Additionally, the rebellion and subsequent coup in Mali have given
terrorist groups
such as AQIM the opportunity to establish
territorial claims in the contested region of northern Mali. This,
coupled with
the influx of tens of thousands of Malian
refugees into Mauritania, presents additional safety and security
concerns.
AQIM
and terrorists believed to be affiliated with AQIM have been operating
in Mauritania since at least 2005. Actions include
kidnapping and murder of Western tourists, aid
workers, and Mauritanian soldiers, as well as attacks on foreign
diplomatic
missions in Mauritania. This culminated in the
June 2009 attempted kidnapping and murder of a private US citizen in
the
capital.
Although there have been no known direct attempts against US citizens since
2009, AQIM continues to threaten Westerners. It
has also focused its actions on Mauritanian
military installations and personnel. The Mauritanian military continues
to actively
engage in action against AQIM elements,
particularly along the border regions with Mali.
In
August 2010, a suicide bomber attacked a Mauritanian military barracks
in Nema. In February 2011, Mauritanian security
forces successfully prevented a car bombing in
the capital city, Nouakchott, by intercepting and destroying a vehicle
containing
large quantities of explosives. In July 2011,
AQIM attacked a military base in Bassiknou, near Nema, in southeastern
Mauritania.
In December 2011, AQIM abducted a Mauritanian
gendarme from his post near the eastern border with Mali.
As
a result of safety and security concerns, some NGOs, private aid
organizations, and Peace Corps withdrew staff and/or temporarily
suspended operations in Mauritania. Faith-based
organizations operating in Mauritania, regardless of location, may be
particularly
targeted.
Travel
by US Embassy staff members outside of Nouakchott requires advance
approval from the US Embassy's Regional Security Officer (RSO).
Travel which has been authorized in such fashion
is subject to cancellation at any time. Travel to the eastern half of
Mauritania
occurs only with Mauritanian government escorts.
Given
AQIM's threats against Western targets in Mauritania and the region,
and its desire to kidnap Westerners for ransom,
US citizens should remain aware of their
surroundings at all times and maintain good personal security practices,
including
always locking their homes and cars, varying
routes and times of travel, and maintaining a low profile by not drawing
attention
to themselves. When going out, they should avoid
being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners, and refrain
from
sitting in areas that are easily visible from
the street when in restaurants or cafes. US citizens should be
particularly
alert when frequenting locales associated with
Westerners, including hotels, cultural centers, social and recreation
clubs,
beach areas, and restaurants. Additionally, US
citizens should avoid highly publicized events/venues with no visible
security
presence.
US
citizens driving in Mauritania are reminded to heed warnings to stop at
security checkpoints, and should be particularly
vigilant when traveling by road outside of
populated areas, even when traveling along main routes and highways. US citizens
should not venture outside urban areas unless in
a convoy and accompanied by an experienced guide, and even then only if
equipped
with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions.
Driving after dark outside of urban areas is strongly discouraged. There
have been
reports of banditry and smuggling in the more
remote parts of Mauritania. Landmines remain a danger along the border
with
the Western Sahara. Travelers should cross
borders only at designated border posts.
