Mauritania has declared its northeastern border with Algeria and Mali as a military zone over security threats by traffickers.
Mauritania declares border with Algeria, Mali no-go zones
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.