Mauritania declares border with Algeria, Mali no-go zones

Mauritania has declared its northeastern border with Algeria and Mali as a military zone over security threats by traffickers.

The defense ministry made the declaration Wednesday night saying the area is “absolutely prohibited to civilians”, local media reported.

The areas cited include Cheggat in the north-east, Ain Ben Tili in the north-west, Dhar Tichitt in the south-west and Lemreyya to the south.

“Any individual circulating or transiting in this part of the national territory will be treated as a military target,” the ministry warned.

The region which is close to Mali has been a transit point for traffickers and criminals who commit cross-border crimes and evade arrest.

Mali-based al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is also a threat to Mauritania through the eastern border.

Mauritania participated in the recent G5 summit that was graced by French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Summit resolved to form a 5000-men joint counter-terrorism force by the end of 2017 to strengthen counterterrorism in the Sahel.