Sky Mali Cancels Flights To Timbuktu, Gao Amidst Rising Security Concerns

Sky Mali, a major regional airline, has announced the cancellation of flights to the ancient northern cities of Timbuktu and Gao due to escalating security concerns. The decision follows the landing of shells in close proximity to Timbuktu's airport, further isolating the remote region. Timbuktu, situated on the fringes of the Sahara desert, has been under a blockade since August, imposed by the Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist alliance known as the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM). This siege has created significant challenges for the city's residents and has raised concerns about the worsening security situation in northern Mali. The region has been under mounting security pressure in recent weeks, heightening fears of increased hostilities among various armed groups vying for control of the area. On Monday morning, three shells struck the airport's perimeter, with two landing in close proximity to the United Nations mission camp. Fortunately, these shells resulted in minor damage and no injuries, according to a UN official who spoke on condition of anonymity. An airport official attributed the shelling to jihadist groups operating in the area. Sandy Haidara, the president of the Association of Timbuktu Nationals in Bamako, reported that the attack occurred while Sky Mali was in the process of checking in passengers. In response to the security situation, Sky Mali announced on social media that all flights to Timbuktu and Gao for the week would be grounded as a precautionary measure. The ongoing jihadist blockade has not only disrupted air travel but has also impeded road access to Timbuktu. In a separate incident last Thursday, armed individuals attacked a boat that served as a vital transportation link between northern cities along the Niger River, resulting in the tragic loss of dozens of civilian lives between Timbuktu and Gao. Both Timbuktu and Gao have frequently faced attacks by jihadist groups. Additionally, these cities have been the backdrop for clashes between the Malian army and predominantly Tuareg former rebels who signed a ceasefire in 2014. These recent security challenges coincide with the withdrawal of the United Nations mission MINUSMA, which has been engaged in the Sahel country for a decade.