U.S. Embassy in Mali allows non-emergency personnel to leave

The U.S. State Department said Tuesday that non-emergency personnel and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Mali could now choose to leave the country as risk of terror attacks remains.

The U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, will provide only emergency consular services to U.S. citizens for the foreseeable future, the State Department said in a statement, urging Americans in Mali to review their personal safety and security plans over their leave-or-stays.

The statement also warned that the security environment in Mali remains fluid and that there is potential for attacks throughout the country, including in Bamako.

The statement urged U.S. nationals in Mali to remain vigilant and avoid public gathering.

Last month, gunmen attacked a luxury hotel in Bamako, killing at least 20 people, including one American. After the attack the U.S. Embassy urged all U.S. nationals to minimize movements around Bamako.