Russia warns citizens against travel to Mali

The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory, recommending that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to Mali. The ministry stated it is deeply concerned about the actions of terrorists operating in the country. This warning comes amid a major nationwide offensive by a coalition of Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda-linked militants, which has seen the capture of key northern cities like Kidal. Russia has previously sought a safe corridor to evacuate its personnel from a military base in Kidal.