I think Sarco may have twisted Maurice Freund's and other operators' arms a little but mainly economic factors decide. If they can't fill the flights they wont take off. And the tours will be cancelled.
As for Bahanga, I do believe there was substance to the rumours he was in Bamako last fall, negotiating terms for a return to Mali, reaching an agreement where he will be allowed to operate if he doesn't attack the Malian army. God knows what else may have been on the table. He may well have been involved in the clashes that have occurred between aqim/smugglers and touaregs since then.
Like the last one at Tin Zahouatine. These are fights over territory and right of passage, not a real war against aqim.
At least that is how I understand it.
Now his return is finally made official.

Recent arrests in north Algeria lead to the names of 211 aqim fighters
211 étrangers dans les rangs d’AQMI|Algérie Plus

Also even better
Un groupe d'Al Qaîda démantele Batna Il devait installer des cellules terroristes en Europe - El Watan

Aqim new threats to assasinate Mauri president
Ennahar Online - AQIM threats to kill Mauritanian president for his ties with France

Compilation of Wikileaks concerning intertribal relations in N Mali and ATT (Mali president) exchange with US ambassador Jovanovic
WikiLeaks: President of Mali Links Drug Trafficking to Terrorism | Middle East news, analysis, opinions | the Crethi & the Plethi

Nouveau "Flamme de la Paix" in Kidal
AFP: Mali destroys hundreds of weapons

4 terrorists killed near Algeria/Niger border

Ennahar Online - Four terrorists killed near the border between Algeria and Niger

AQIM are being squeezed again.

The article says the chopper(s) came from Ouargla which is about 1200 km north of the Niger border. In a Mi-8, which Algeria has more than 30 of, the journey would take 4.5 hours at max speed + however long to refuel.
Can Ouargla be correct? Surely Tam or Djanet or In Guezzam - the last of which has choppers visible on GE.

Increased cooperation between Mali and Niger for border security

Le Niger entérine un accord de coopération militaire avec le Mali pour renforcer la sécurité transfrontalière - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq

Attacker of French embassy in Mali escapes prison: sources < French news | Expatica France
Connected to the release of three hostages?

AQIM calls for jihad against the west in Libya
 

Ennahar Online - Al Qaeda announces jihad in Libya

Ch

Good luck Drokdal with Libya
I doubt anyone is interested in what he says

You may have seen this but here goes
Portrait of Abou Zeid
Abou Zeid, entre djihad et contrebande - Visa pour l'Algérie

Are tuaregs involved?
Insecurity in the Sahara | Think Africa Press

Otoh if they get more and heavier toys to play with...

Libya-Crisis: 'Al Qaeda takes advantage of airstrikes on Libya to stock up on missiles'

Al Qaeda | Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb | Niger | Uranium

aqim-claims-24-attacks-in-algeria-and-mauritania

West Africa's Growing
Terrorist Threat: Confronting AQIM's Sahelian Strategy

The Genesis of Terrorism in the Sahara

Ennahar Online - Algeria strengthens its security at the border with Libya
Better report in Magharebia
Algeria boosts Libya border security (Magharebia.com)

West Africa forum encourages moderate Islam (Magharebia.com)
In Mauretania.

Does al Qaeda have some Libyan missiles? - CNN.com

More on the same theme
 

Yes, but - why believe an unnamed Algerian source?
I think Leibovich has it right
AQIM and Libya’s missing weapons � al-Wasat – الوسط

Algerian troops kill terrorists at Niger, Libya borders
2011-04-19

Algerian soldiers killed seven terrorists and made several arrests near the Libya and Niger borders, El Khabar reported on Monday (April 18th). During two separate operations conducted within a 24-hour period, ANP troops also seized large quantities of weapons and ammunition. One of the terrorists killed while trying to infiltrate the country was a Libyan national wanted by security services in Algeria, Mali and Mauritania.

So maybe the gun running stories from Libya for AQIM were true after all?

I heard today that France govt is discouraging tourism in the deep south of Alg though I think we guessed as much a month or 2 back...

Ch

"Large quantities"
El Khabar

Can RPGs be used against helicopters?

Aqim is setting up a new base near Nara at the mauri border.
AFP: Al-Qaeda building new base in Mali: security sources
And the Malian army is doing - what?

Keenan is at it again UK in North Africa: Myths and contradictions - Briefings - Al Jazeera English

yes - but when the chopper is on the ground or at least hovering close to the ground. Best known example to the west is the loss of the US choppers (black hawks) in Mogadishu. RPGs are mostly used against tanks and APCs. They'll be useful to AQIM against military patrols. The Strela's (SAM7s) would be much more useful to AQIM against choppers but its really not clear if any of these made it out of Libya.

Issoufou has also said he will implement all accords signed with Tuaregs from the north to end their long-running rebellion and has named a Tuareg, Brigi Rafini, as his prime minister.

ANALYSIS-Al Qaeda, hunger pose risks for Niger's Issoufou | News by Country | Reuters

Also:

Mali : le président Touré a discuté paix et sécurité avec les Arabes du nord - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq

Can RPGs be used against helicopters?

The Tuareg from Mali and Niger have used the cheap RPG,s to destroy the hyper expensive Tiger combat helicopters used by their poor Gov's.

However it takes quite some skill and nerve to face, flying close to you, in the open desert, one of those ugly Tiger killing machines with a rather modest, single shot RPG. Just imagine if the rusty RPG jams with the sand. No place to hide.

Tigers helicopters are loaded with thousands of fast 50,s, 30,s rounds, rockets and missiles. An ugly thing to sell to our southern poor neighbors.

RPG,s are cheap and relatively easy to obtain in Sahel area. No so with the Sam rocket toys.

Europe sells lots of very expensive war toys to Africa. I wonder if such a thing can come back to us one day in some ugly way.

Why in the Sahel is it easier --and cheaper-- to buy a "kalash" with two loaded clips, than a good solar panel ????

When a few months a-go two Tigers were destroyed by Tuareg rebels in Niger the Tuareg simply said: "if our poor Gov expends a fortune in those Tigers at least they should learn how to fly them" "Our Gov's should take care of their people"

I remember with certain nostalgia when in this forum we mostly talked about
"wind sand and stars ..." routes and interesting details of the great books Sahara Overland and Mauritania avec 2cv .

Fair winds and following seas...

Too true Armadillo - I was thinking the very same. These are the worst of times for Saharan travel. As Chris Scott noted a few months back, there was a time in 2003 when we travelled much of the southern Algerian border with Niger (west to east) in one vehicle, with one satellite phone and no guide. How things have changed.

Many stories in Ennahar today. Editor writes about the true identity of Abou Zeid. And that Germenau died of a heart attack in early July.
Ennahar Online - Mohamed Mokaddem, author of "France and armed Islamism"
He is also promoting his new book
Ennahar Online - France and the armed Islamism, by Mohamed Mokeddem
GSPC gave Chirac an ultimatum "convert to islam or else!"

I too really hope we can go back to talking about wind and traces in the sand someday.
Before we can do that, I fear the chinese will have made paved roads in all directions from Tam and elsewhere.

Algerian troops clash with terrorists near Niger

2011-05-25 Algerian soldiers killed three terrorists during a clash Monday along the Niger border, El Khabar reported on Tuesday (May 24th). The ANP troops, operating under the command of the sixth military region in Tamanrasset, had launched a search operation after a bomb explosion struck a Niger army patrol. According to security sources, the operation confirmed successful co-ordination between Algerian and Niger security services, under the Tamanrasset joint military command.
Last Friday in Bamako, Algeria, Mauritania, Mali and Niger agreed to form a 75,000-man security force to police the Sahel-Saharan region for al-Qaeda terrorists and traffickers. The Algiers-based Joint Military Staff Committee of the Sahel Region (CEMOC) will organise the new military force.


Magharebia.com

So the Algies are fighting 'along the border' - - - I wonder if they ever allow themselves to cross it even just for a mile or two?
If not, bearded guys will just try to make it to the border, and they'll be safe.
Reminds me of an old western movie. :rolleyes:

The prisoners that were transferred, I immediately thought they will be traded for the french hostages, but then maybe they are not. Perhaps they are now in a "high security" prison in the Mauri desert, sound like fun.
This 'imposing corridor' in the Mauri desert is interesting; isn't it something we should take advantage of? Let's start out from Chinguetti, go east and have two weeks of desert fun.
If the gendarmes will allow it - but they didn't mind when I was there two months ago.

Ther's a lot happening in the Sahel right now, and I am sure we don't hear but a fraction of it.

I understand that the Algerians are allowed 200 km across the border into Mali/Niger in accordance with the joint command rules but that on several occasions the Algerians have stopped on the border and not exercised their hot pursuit rights. No one I have spoken to can figure out why.

Hi Richard, any source for 200 kms? Sounds arbitrary, why not do the job once you're across the actual border?
Reminds me of an old western movie where the crooks make it across the state line; or into Mejico.
Mauri army shot a suspect and buried him on the spot; his companion in the Toyota was arrested. This was near Lemgheity. And the Mauri air force destroyed two vehicles north of Chegga.
And Mauritania is investing €18 M in biometric ID cards - a first for Africa?
La Mauritanie a recours à la biométrie pour lutter contre le terrorisme (Magharebia.com)

Richard, here's another report from Chegga
http://www.afriquinfos.com/articles/...que-178671.asp
The supposed algie refusal to cross the borders even when invited is puzzling
gives support to the conspirationists who believe Algiers is secretly running Aqim
Pls send me your direct email
pm doesn't work very well

It is really unclear why Algeria does not cross the border. One view might be that their prime concern is to secure Algeria and getting drawn into a war in NE Mali isn't seen as the right way forward. Of course their work against AQIM will be never-ending if the AQIM HQ is left in peace.

The Chegga incident sounds interesting. The Mauri airforce bombed 2 vehicles near Chegga and a third escaped. I'm wondering what kind of kit they have to be able to have this sort of accuracy. Either way, you'd want the Mauri military to know who you were and what your plans were if you went into NE Mauri - lest you be taken out by mistake.

I remember looking closely at the Chegga region on Google Earth about a year ago and being surprised at the number of tracks and installations in that area that did not seem to be relics of the Polisario war (Alg v Morocco/Mori).
Trafficking seems the most likely explanation (which of course does not exclude AQIM).

Ch

There are indeed many, many tracks - many more than are visible on Google Earth esp nearish 24.5 and 7.5 deg. In April there was also a lot of grass and very large herds of camels, nomad tents and several 60 series Toyotas lurking in this very flat area of NE Mauri. Further south near 21 deg and same longitude there is nothing - nasty terrain for driving though.

New development
 

Well folks there really is something going on in the Malian desert that may be a game changer. But not necessarily meaning we can go back there anytime soon.

Malian troops are moving in and establishing checkpoints north of the river at least from Timbuktu east to Gao. They are actively hindering westerners from entering the area or going north from Gao.
http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=76727&intr=

There was a meeting between Mali and Mauri in Segou to plan a campaign against the reputed Aqim camp in Wagadou forest near Nara. President Aziz said that they will mount a campaign lasting several months against aqim in northern Mali.
http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=76974&intr=

"Four planes, two reconnaissance aircraft (tetra) and two helicopter gunships equipped with missiles, twenty four 4x4 (BG) all equipped with heavy weaponry on board well-armed soldiers. Among these soldiers, elements of the ETIA4 and 6 (Echelon Tactics Inter Armées), a detachment of paratroopers and commandos, the Air Force. This is the arsenal that was made visible by the Malian army to do battle with AQIM really become daring in recent times in the Timbuktu region.
Had it not been for this show of force, in Timbuktu everyone had believed in an admission of helplessness in the face of Mali AQIM. But that was without knowing the discretion of the General President of Mali, as a good soldier, trying to avoid war by all means, yet without forgetting to prepare. So much so that neighboring countries, certainly wrong, told anyone who will listen that Mali is the weakest link in the fight against AQIM band Sahel-Saharan Africa. This show of force by the Malian army last week denied all these statements.
According to our sources, the army made a general sweep of the region of Timbuktu who left town on the border of Algeria through Agouni, and Araouane Taoudenit and the city of Timbuktu to the Mauritanian border through circles Goundam and Niafunke. The method was the following: reconnaissance planes watching everything from up and vehicles searched the nooks and crannies of the territory. So on to the Algerian border on one side and to the Mauritanian border on the other. And AQIM has been found! Where did it go then?"

A meeting in Tam in September between Mali-Alg-Mauri-Niger
http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=76521&intr


Meanwhile MBM is busy with loot from Libya
http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=76363&intr=
"security services in the area have discovered a vast network of importing weapons of war on Niger and Algerian borders of Mali. This movement, according to our sources, would be headed by one of the leaders of Algerian AQIM, Mokhtar Belmokhtar. He keeps bulging chest every time he visits his men rearmed arsenal of brand new (that is, odorless powder) in the Malian desert. Barely 150 men in 2009, it now finds itself with a cast of over 500 elements well trained and heavily armed.
It is feared a sharp escalation in the weeks to come. Better to be prepared!"

A new book by Atmane Tazaghart "AQIM" dealing with the history, strategy and future of Aqim depicts a formative meeting
http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=75838&intr=
It was held in Taoudenny Marh 18, 2008
"In the scorching heat of the desert Tanezrouft, long columns of armed men, covered with scarf, make their way among the ruins of the ancient galleys Taoudeni. The noise of their steps, rhythm regular, sustained, long breaks silence over seventy years: we are March 18, 2009. And ever since the abolition of French colonial prisons in 1938, this place has been so busy! Men scarf, three convoys arrived in successive hug. They are fifty-four fighters representing Katibat AQIM located in the vast Sahel-Saharan strip. Here they are now installed on the sand, forming a large circle around a man of 42 years, most of them meet for the first time. He called Yahia Djouadi, alias Abu Ammar. All men invited to the conclave know him by reputation and respect the high rank he occupies in the jihadist movement in Algeria, since the early 1990s. The arrival of Djouadi to head the "Command operation" took place at a famous meeting held in the maquis in Kabylia, 11 September 2006. It is under the auspices of this veteran of the jihad that the new military strategy AQIM was developed to mark the break with the era and the coming of GSPC group on the jihadist world scene. (...)

Thus, when it stood before the representatives of Katibat Sahelian Taoudeni at the conclave, they feel both honored by his presence and curious about what new military strategy he would develop in their area. Apparently, the appointment of an emir unique for the Sahel was to arbitrate conflicts between growing Moulathamin Katibat Al, the oldest Islamist group in the Algerian Sahel implanted since 1992, led by Mokhtar Ben Mokhtar, aka Emir Belaoui and Katibat Tareq Ibn Ziyad, founded in 2003 by Abderazzak El Para and directed since his arrest by the "Emir of small desert" Hamadou Abid alias Abdelhamid Abou Zeid. However, the choice of a prominent part as Djouadi, from the first circle command of AQIM, foreshadowed a more radical change. For Droukdel, the main objective being to "politicize" the activities of Katibat Sahelian too long treated as banditry. Organizationally, Yahia Djouadi the Sahel divides into two areas of activity: in the West, the territory traditionally controlled by Ben Mokhtar, who is from south-western Algeria, northern Mali and Mauritania in the east , zones of influence stretching from Abu Zeid massive Algerian-Malian Timetrine bordering Chad, through the strategic region of northern Niger, where many Western and Asian companies are present, particularly in the area mining. In this new configuration, Ben Mokhtar Guard HQ Katibat its long-established in Kidal, the heart of the country Tuareg in northern Mali. Abu Zeid establishes his command in the former stronghold of El Para Timetrine. As for Djouadi, it is surrounded by a shura of 140 jihadists, it installs on the ruins of the ancient galleys Taoudeni, who becomes the central command of the new emirate Sahel."

So let's see:
In the west MBM - Katibat Al Moulathamin 1992 - hq Tigarghar - east Mauri, north Mali
In the east Abu Zeid - Katibat Tareq Ibn Ziyad, 2003 - hq Timethrine - east Mali, Niger, Chad

Ennahar Online - Three vehicles loaded with weapons from Libya seized in Illizi

Aqim leaders El Para in jail and Hassan Hattab in house arrest
Hattab assigné à résidence, Abderrazak El Para en prison - A la une - El Watan

Possible links between Boko Haram (Nigeria), Al-Shabaab (Somalia) and Aqim
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.ph...ity&Itemid=113

I see that the first Ennahar report from DTH says "... near the Algerian-Libyan border, east of the region of Debdab" which could put it in Libya, south of Ghadames. This suggests the Alg army is also able or prepared to cross that border to take action, as well as into Niger (as reported on this thread 3 weeks ago). Debdeb is 5km from the Libyan border.

It's a bit clearer in the second Ennahar report from priffe, but it's worth mentioning that by '.. in Illizi' they mean Illizi the huge province or wilaya, running from Tunisia down to Niger, not the town on the road to Djanet.

There's been this confusion before with Tam the town and Tam the wilaya.

I wonder if the sudden action in Mali is as a result of the heavier Libyan army weapons thought to be leaking out to AQIM based there.

Ch

Wonder why they go over Algeria, wouldn't it be much safer going south into Niger and then head west for Mali?
But then the other day three vehicles were intercepted by Niger military. Semtec, detonators and weapons onboard. Touareg driver, well known from rebellion days.
Lots of bad libyan stuff in Mali now, while bombs are going off daily in Nigeria, even in Abuja.

read the blogs for updates like Sahel Blog
also
http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.ph...and&Itemid=105
Nouakchott court sentences al-Qaeda supporters (Magharebia.com)

further
Aqim now armed with SAM missiles can bring down civilian airliners
http://shimronletters.blogspot.com/2...ground-to.html
France wants to take control of water holes?
http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=77505

Mauritanian troops attack AQIM camp in Mali - Threat Matrix

This could be good for us - the "Vigipirate plan"! - if it works
Ennahar Online - Mali: a securing device for tourist sites in preparation

Surprising - El Para talks
Abderrazak El Para : Révélations sur l’itinéraire d’un chef terroriste - Dossier - El Watan

Engagement in SE Mauri
 

Another engagement between the Mauri army and AQIM in SE Mauri....

Members of al-Qaeda's north African branch on Tuesday attacked an army base near Bassiknou in southern Mauritania close to the border with Mali, a military source told AFP.

"Many terrorist vehicles took part in the attack. The national army followed them and took the initiative against them," the source said, adding army aircraft did battle with members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (Aqim).



Al-Qaeda attacks Mauritania army base: News24: Africa: News

Mauritanian forces repel militants from army base
BBC News - Mauritanian forces repel militants from army base

more developments
 

Mauritanian army repels al-Qaeda attack (Magharebia.com)


'Important' AQIM emir killed in Mali (Magharebia.com)

It says that 'important emir' could be Abou Zeid which would be significant but seems unlikely if another raid soon followed on Bassiknou.

I tried to locate the 'Wagadou Forest' last time it was mentioned, but all I could work out was that it's somewhere along the horizontal Nioro border of Mali/Mori. Don't know what AQIM would be doing based so far south in Mali. I thought ABZ was based far northeast towards Timetrine (which, with its El Para connection mentioned below, is where the 2003 hostages may have been kept. I always wondered where it was).

Ch

Wagadou forest west of Nara would serve as a base for attacking Mauretania. But it is also only some 400 kms from Bamako, which makes you really wonder how the Malians can accept it, and wait for their Moorish comrades to do the job.
Khaled el-Chinguetti was one of those claimed to have been killed by Maure forces, his real name was al-Mimoun Ould Aminou. They supposedly were training him to become a leader.
Victoire d'AQMI - Ansar al Haqq
Kal the Swedish-speaking Moor next door writes more
Thurston on AQIM Confrontations; Profile of a Mauritanian AQIM Fighter The Moor Next Door

Why is google translating 'Wagadou' to 'Ghana'? (found the answer - Wagadou is a name for the ancient Ghana empire)

Speculation - with air support the French/Mauretanians may be able to make life for Aqim difficult enough that they will emigrate and build new camps - in Niger or Nigeria, perhaps.
What will the desert be like when/if they're gone?

I would guess it is mainly the French who are providing the air support - as I understand it the Mauri airforce is v.modest.

Whether AQIM decamp east or not really depends on what they are trying to achieve in Mauritania. I find that quite hard to work out because every time AQIM attacks a Mauri army base, the Mauri army will strengthen its resources and resolve against AQIM. Perhaps AQIM wants to govern the whole region but at the present growth rates of AQIM that is going to take decades. Attacking the odd military base isn't going to achieve that goal any time soon. A lower profile would surely help the smuggling side of the AQIM business.

If AQIM did push off to the east, then it would take a long time to be sure that had in fact happened. The first kidnappings in Algeria were in 2003. Then there was a long break till 2008 (Austrians in Tunisia). At the start of 2008 I was pretty convinced they had left the desert - 5 years is a long time to be taking it easy in NE Mali.

In an earlier announcement, Mali was to offer up 75000 or so troops to fight AQIM. This in my mind would be a clear mistake. That number of troops would be poorly trained, poorly resourced and unmotivated. They would be easy pickings for AQIM. What is needed is a crack battalion of 200 or so, with units of well organised and highly motivated fighters 20-30 men strong. The idea would be to target the AQIM leaders - to take the head off the tape worm as it was put in Battle of Algiers.

As ever, the geography in these articles is wanting:

"The operation took place on the border between Algeria and Mali, more precisely in the region of Amkizi, 28 km southwest of Tamanrasset."

Tam is about 400km from the Mali/Algerian border.
Does anyone know where Amkizi is?

This latest operation is mixed news for Tam. On the upside, the Algerian military and intelligence shows its capabilities again. If this were Mali or Niger, the outcome would surely have been different. On the downside, if it really did happen 28km from Tam, then that is not good news for the security of the town.

I just tried to find Amkizi on IGN 200k (old) map. Nothing there, only Amsel village fits the distance, just off the TSH. To the SW only rock and rubble, but maybe that's the point.

In March (was it?) we read of an AQIM cell dug out of Abalessa village not far NW of Tam. If, as the report says, they're after raiding military bases, Tam would be a great but pretty bold place to do it. Every other compound there seems to be a base of some sort.

You'd think the bases at Bordj Moktar, Tim Missao or IGZ would be easier targets to hit and run. Maybe Tam was planned as a suicide job, as they tried in Nema last year.

But from what's reported I do get the impression the Alg army is on the case in the south.

Ch

If they would only be 'on the case' south of the border as well.
Good piece in Jeune Afrique Le Mali en simple spectateur | Jeuneafrique.com - le premier site d'information et d'actualit� sur l'Afrique
It is incredible how the beards can set up a base 400 kms from Bamako and when the Mauri/Mali armies are prepared to attack beards were tipped off by Mali. Finally Mauri went alone, waiting a couple of weeks, telling the Malians only hours before the strike.
It would be much more simple to attack the camps from the air, and drones would be even more effective than in Pakistan, don't you think? It would save on time, material, personnel and public opinion would love it - or?
Drones may be on the table AFP: AFRICOM commander praises Mauritania in Al-Qaeda fight
also AQIM on Mauritania/Mali Fighting
AQIM: Western-Sahelian Cooperation Deepening � Sahel Blog

Mauretanian army recruiting pilots and receiving aircraft (Brazilian Tucanos) from France.
Mauritania boosts counter-terror capacities (Magharebia.com)
Mauritanian air force seeks new pilots (Magharebia.com)

before we proceed to nukes, here some interesting reading
http://www.kidal.info/docs/War-on-Terror-JCAS.pdf

didn't see any alkaida while in & around Timbuktu a few days ago

Moro you need to drive with your eyes open ;o)

Meanwhile, Aqim may be involved with Boko Haram in Nigeria, who is now resorting to AQ style suicide bombings. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/af....un/index.html

Touareg rebellion leader Ag Bahanga was first reported to have returned from Libya (where he spent two years with Khadaffi army) with 50+ military vehicles.
http://www.malijet.com/thumbnail.php...article_medium
Then he was reported killed under not very clear circumstances on Friday
Inquiétude sur des stocks d’armes - International - El Watan a car accident?
Ennahar Online - Mali: death of Ibrahim ag Bahanga, the most radical of the Tuareg rebels
AFP: Radical Tuareg rebel chief dies in Mali
http://www.letempsdz.com/content/view/61665/1/
http://af.reuters.com/article/nigerN...nnel=0&sp=true
http://www.pressafrik.com/Au-Mali-pl...ga_a65818.html

Two articles by Salima Tlemcani in El Watan
http://www.elwatan.com//internationa...137980_112.php
"With his most faithful, he was on Friday in his stronghold in Tinassalak when he had this information that, two all-terrain vehicles, on board a large quantity of arms, had crossed the Libyan border. They were heading for the Timbuktu region, known as the stronghold of AQIM and smugglers.
"It was mid-afternoon. Bahanga took his Toyota station and embarked on their research. He would not move the whole group, preferring to verify this information. A few tens of kilometers, it has actually risen in the footsteps of his two vehicles intercepted. The occupants are young people in the region, including the son of a deputy. They would not tell him the weapons were destined. He ordered them to hand them over. We do not know what happened thereafter.

When we noticed that Ibrahim had not returned and his phone did not answer, we went looking for him. We found his vehicle overturned and his left side hit by bullets fired by a Seminov. Have they killed him and simulated an accident? We do not know. We are investigating this matter and we do not want it to be used to carry out retaliatory actions. It is too early to act, "reveals our interlocutor. In any case, the suspicious death of rebel leader comes at a crucial time for the people of northern Mali."
Other sources points to his taking a stand for the libyan opposition leading to him being murdered by Gadaffi loyalists or the Algerian DRS http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=80249
some even says he drove onto one of his own mines http://www.maliweb.net/category.php?NID=80237&intr=
which sounds highly unlikely - wishful thinking from Bamako.
He did apparently give an interview just hours before his death, where he denounced Qadaffi
http://www.elwatan.com/entretien/aqm...137982_121.php
He speaks well here, but doesn't exclude taking up arms yet again.

Let's hope this works out
Mali seeks development to counter al-Qaeda (Magharebia.com)
http://sahelblog.wordpress.com/2011/...rism-and-aqim/

[QUOTE=priffe;347267]Moro you need to drive with your eyes open ;o)

1. I do drive around with my eyes open - don't know the area THAT well :) even though it's been 9 months now on this last trip
2. as it seems Bahanga (yet another alkajda boogie-woogie-man?) was driving around with his eyes wide shut :)
3. the venerable third way is your type of couch potatoe alkajda paranoia disseminator

Try downtown Kiruna (Sweden) on a friday night instead

Guys - this is a serious thread on a nicely mannered forum. There are plenty of places to write abuse on the internet. This isn't one of them.

the censor strikes again :)

uote:
Originally Posted by Richard Washington http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s/viewpost.gif
Guys - this is a serious thread on a nicely mannered forum. There are plenty of places to write abuse on the internet. This isn't one of them.
heeeey, are you practising censorship :)
let me try again:

thanks pal, I beg to differ,
this thread is neither serious (grown ups in hot pursuit of their sandpit dreams, inchallah without the local indians who seem to inhabit it)

nor is it nicely mannered (some of the language and concepts put forward on this thread are outright chauvinistic). We can call it Mi-24 parlance, we can't call it nicely mannered.


To end on a lighter note an amusing pic from this very serious thread:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/...908d421958.jpg

bang-bang

By way of explanation - in case one is needed.

The spate of kidnappings in the Sahara which began in 2003 but which escalated in 2008 have pretty much decimated Saharan overland travel. Westerners are specifically targeted. The Hubb is one of the few places where regular updates on the situation in the Sahara are available. The postings on this thread are a somewhat unique blend of on-the-ground information, press reports from sometimes obscure sources and interpretation by those who have a reasonable feel for the Sahara.

In two days time French nationals who were kidnapped in Arlit, Niger, will have been held for a year. Additionally, an Italian women kidnapped in the Algeria desert earlier this year is still in captivity. The thread was started by Ulrich who was one of the first to be kidnapped in 2003 and was held for many months in the Sahara.

I have no doubt that some will not agree with the content of some of the posts. That is normal I suppose. The key thing is to lend useful comment to the material to hand in a way that helps our fellow travellers make informed decisions in the course of their planning. For the most part those posting on the Hubb have been sensible enough to do this which is one of the reasons it is one of the most viewed threads, if not the most viewed thread, on the Hubb.

Hear, hear.
 

Hi Richard,

Many thanks for your considered post. Hopefully this thread is now back on track.

Happy trails,

Jojo

There are reports of the Niger Military engaging with AQIM in N Niger.
Niger attacks al-Qaeda-linked cell, 3 killed: News24: Africa: News

Three AQIM reported killed and many youths 'libertated'.
The action is said to have taken place near Adrar Rabouss. I know of Adrar Bous in the NW Tenere (sort of N Air) but I'm not sure if this was the same place. Does anyone know Adrar Rabouss?

There have been some queries on the forum about safety in N Niger and the Air (in relation to camels) to which this might be relevant. Perhaps more to the point, permission to travel in the Air and Tenere may be set back by this ongoing engagement.

Clash at Algerian/Tunisian border
 

H,

article in French:
Tunisie : l'armée à la recherche des auteurs de l'accrochage à la frontière algérienne | RFI
September 21, "...Early in the morning, a convoy of nine all-terrain vehicles, mounted anti-aircraft batteries had opened fire on army helicopters, which responded, killing several people..."

If I have understood the article correctly, then the vehicles carrying suspected AQIM were travelling from Algeria across Tunisia to Libya. AQIM are decamping from Algeria in order to exploit the deregulation in Libya. This does not bode well for Libya. One thing Gaddafi did successfully was keep AQIM out of Libya.

Yes he butchered them at the Abu Salim prison massacre in 1996. One way of dealing with the problem - but also a reason for what is happening now 15 years later.
How the Abu Salim Prison Massacre in 1996 Inspired the Revolution in Libya | Andy Worthington

Did you read that the 50 young recruits who were detained in Niger were actually Hausa? One wonders what that means - feeds the notion that islamism is spreading all over Sahel/Sahara.

escalation in north Algeria
 

According to the article below AQIM may not all be decamping to Libya but instead stepping up operations up north with looted Libyan weapons.

Aqim escalates the violence in Algeria – helped by Libya's war | Simon Tisdall | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

I have not been on Ennahar or Maghrabia lately, but it's odd that other posters did not pick up the escalation as described in the article. The Brit FCO mentions just one recent event.

Ch

'decamping', the word I used, probably wasn't the right word. I think AQIM are busy - more busy - in both Alg and Libya. Its hard to know for sure about Libya as yet because of the chaos there. But time will tell. Why would AQIM not take advantage of the turmoil in Libya at the moment? Eveything I've read about AQIM suggests they are very adaptable and do react to the sort of opportunity that Libya presents.

At the same time Aqim are on the attack they are exposing themselves, and about a dozen have been killed over last week, plus a few more captured
Boumerdès : Les maquis de Chouicha toujours encerclés, 13 terroristes neutralisés - Actualité - El Watan
They attacked an airport (Jijel) with RPG - why not with SAM if they have them?
It is reported that Iran is buying up the missiles, there is perhaps a better market elsewhere.
Today I had contact with a facebook friend from Sebha again for the first time since April. He sounded very optimistic.
It looks to me like Aqim in the Sahel is almost a separate entity from the guys in the north.

So the Mauris attacked Wagadou forest with three aircraft, destroying two vehicles. Even Aqim acknowledged one of their top guys was killed, but called it a car accident.
Mauritanian army strikes al-Qaeda base in Mali (Magharebia.com)
No Libyan SAM missiles were used by Aqim, and haven't been used anywhere yet AFAIK.

Then afterwards the area was swept by a thousand Malian troops. So it is over now?
"According to military affairs expert Sidi Mouloud, there are about 300 AQIM fighters around the Wagadou forest and they have at least 48 vehicles and two lorries. The terrorists also possess a number of arms caches, the analyst added.
"The threat to Mauritania from AQIM is a real one," Sidi Moulou said. "For a number of days, the Mauritanian security forces have been on the hunt for three fighters who slipped in across the eastern border, including one suicide bomber.""

There was a non-specific security alert for travellers in Mauretania a few days ago, could be about this suicide bomber.

Report from Mauretania, the no-go zone for civilians 800 x 200 kms along the border. Void of people including traffickers and even herders, it explains why western Maurtania is comparatively safe at the moment.
Fighting AQIM with their own weapons - small units witout a base, using armed Toyota 4x4s.
Mauritania: fighting the invisible enemy - FRANCE 24
16 minute video, images from Wagadou and elsewhere

I have often wondered why, nearly a decade on from the first kidnappings in 2003, the Mali government has done so little to confront AQIM given that AQIM has bedded down in N.Mali and causes strife for neighbouring countries. Initially I put it down to a lack of resources on the part of the Malian military but when Mauri started taking the initiative in Mali, it was clear there was also a lack of will. More recently some evidence has emerged that there is much more to the issue. Some of the details are reproduced below:


Malian threatened over al-Qaeda talk: News24: Africa: News

A Malian lawmaker who has been outspoken about his country's alleged role in providing refuge to an offshoot of the al-Qaeda terror network says he was stopped in traffic on Sunday in the capital by armed men who warned him to stop talking about the matter.

Ibrahim Ag Mohamed Assaleh, a member of parliament from the Bourem region in the north of Mali, where al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or Aqim, is known to operate, says he was stopped at about 11:00 in Bamako by four men in a black Mercedes.

"They presented themselves as agents of the Malian intelligence service. I could see they had automatic pistols concealed under their clothes," Assaleh told The Associated Press by telephone just hours after the incident.

"The men told me I should stop speaking about the links between the Malian state and the drugs trade, and the Malian state and Aqim," Assaleh said.

[now] void of people including traffickers and even herders...

I just watched the Fr24 video in which the above was claimed. Even caravans once plied the sands he said! Just speculating but I doubt very much activity - legitimate or otherwise - has ever gone on in most of the area depicted (see below) particularly south of Lemghetti base - the Majabat al Koubra or 'Empty Quarter'. There are no wells for herders, the terrain is too dune-ridden for swift north-south transit, there have long been Mori army bases along the Chegga track and, as the post above suggests, adjacent north Mali is much safer anyway. So why risk going into Mori?

Very soon after crossing into Mali a few years ago (halfway up the orange zone) we came across a prominent but unmapped north-south track after the border line and before the established Taoudenni piste. Seeing it was no great surprise, nor was its purpose.

So I would say the Mori army units featured in the video have chased no one out and are merely patrolling the entirely unoccupied vertical border with Mali - that's why these guys have not had any contact all year. It may even be an empty PR exercise. Meanwhile as we have read, the real action seems to be along the horizontal border to the south - or the far north where 3 or 4 countries meet - oddly enough not covered by the graphic.

Ch

At least at Lemghetti there's been some action in the past. Some years ago a dozen or so soldiers were decapitated by MBM.
What piste did the 2009 kidnappers take from Nouadibou to Mali? Presuming they didn't take the N1.
I think the orange area on the map was drawn by some journo. Certainly the army is focusing on the south and protecting the capital, but not with the small mobile units I thought was the most interesting part of the video. Good thing they weren't around when you did your crossing.
Do you think they stand a chance against the bearded guys?

Actually Lemghetti was attacked by MBM in 2005 - many died there, but the beheadings were near Tourine (W of Zouerat), 2 years later. The Mori army certainly had its share before they got on top of it, as they have lately.

I dont know which way the 2009s went exactly, other than we heard they cut a corner through Western Sahara around Choum where they had a shoot out with the Mori army and put up a 'human shield', after which you presume they could have driven down the Champs Elysee, as long as it led over the border to Mali.

They didn't look super slick running for the cars in the video, did they, but what do I know. I suppose out there much must depends on who surprises whom.

Ch

Following the Libyan exodus, touaregs have given an ultimatum to Aqim in northern Mali: Leave!
Mali : des Touaregs lancent un ultimatum à Aqmi - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq
""It seems that the Islamists have taken the threat seriously, because they left one of their bases in the Adrar Tigharghar, a mountainous desert, about 120 kilometers from the Algerian border," he says. These soldiers also arrested drug traffickers."
So they are not only threatening Bamako.
They have returned from Libya with huge loads of arms, according to some reports - including SAM missiles.
Without Qadhafi's support they would have had to bring cash, too. Perhaps Saif is helping out.
One touareg leader claimed they are "better equipped than the Malian army".

How interesting. An exodus of battle-trained Tuareg from Gaddafi's old army could finally rid north Mali of its scourge. They may well simply move in on some of AQIM's current operations, but as long as that's limited to smuggling and not kidnapping foreigners, tourists may overlook their recent alliances.

Ch

PS: I recall tracking down Adrar Tigharghar before. It's here where a failed French raid last year tried to free M. Germaneau (kidnapping #11) who was later declared shot in the crossfire/killed in retaliation (but probably died of ill health - a less useful story to both sides at the time).

How about this scenario - touaregs chase the islamists out of the desert and liberate the hostages, found in good shape.
Now THAT would make Bamako (and the Algies) look like fools. And juice up touareg claim to ownership of the desert.
Hehe - can dream can't I. :)
But it could happen.

Is this new news? Will there be a build up of security forces in the region to oversee the project?

Algeria's Sonatrach vows Mali oil drilling by mid 2012 | News by Country | Reuters

Who provides security in the Taoudenni basin? Are there any Malian military in the region?

Mauretanian Aqim member arrested in Niger
Niger: Militant with 'ties to killers' of French engineer arrested - Adnkronos Security

I do not think there are military in Taoudenni. The Mali military wanted to charge a colleague of mine about 30K euros for a military escort to the salt mine there.

Chinese oil companies also moving in, promising to find Mali's first producing wells shortly
RECHERCHES PETROLIERES: Petroplus Angola promet du pétrole aux Maliens | L'AUBE
There's gold up there, too - but no military? What is ATT thinking?

French arms deals with ten African countries, including Mali, Mauretania, Niger
http://af.reuters.com/article/maurit...7LQ3DA20111026

I think we have the answer in the contracts that were signed between the Malian and Algerian presidents for oil drilling in Taoudenni.
Algeria is seizing the moment and is planning to expand their interests in the region. They will fill the vacuum left by Khadaffi's departure. The winners will be the touaregs - and in return, they will promise not to start another rebellion. The loosers: Aqim
Algeria eyes investment in northern Mali (Magharebia.com)
"It would be illogical that Algeria venture to invest in the less secure part of the basin, which links Mali, Algeria and Mauritania, without having first established a plan to deal with these challenges," he added.

According to regional analyst Hammadi Ag Ali, the security concerns are exaggerated.

"These are unjustified fears because Touaregs in the end are a group of people who have specific demands, some of which are related to a desire to secede, while others are related to demands for more development," he explained. "If we assume that the group demanding separation is dominating the scene, then there must be some sort of a rear support after the fall of Kadhafi. That support will certainly be the Algerian state."

"Algeria will venture to invest its money in the Taoudeni basin only after it gets guarantees from the actors in that area, who are primarily the Touaregs," he continued. "As for al-Qaeda, their threat will decrease as Touaregs' influence increases because the latter will tighten the noose on them if they threaten their interests."

I found this most interesting. Let's see how it pans out. Niger may be another story entirely - or not. Perhaps they will make a similar deal.

Re: Niger
 

Another version of the Niger raid here: less dramatic casualty figures:
Niger military clashes with Libya group| News24

and according to this, Saif is assumed to have made it to Mali:
ICC: Gaddafi son will be arrested| News24
so the above raid may not have been connected.


As for Taoudenni, it's going to be a very long pipeline to somewhere.

Often said but I'm not convinced it is, especially regards controlling regional contrabanding. But as always the Berabich commercants of Timbuktu manage to slip below the radar...

Ch

PS: Interesting document from 2006 on Taoudenni Basin oil reserves.

MBM gives interview; says he is one of the main benificiaries of the 'Arab Spring'
AFP: Al-Qaeda's North Africa branch says got Libya weapons
'"As for our acquisition of Libyan armament, that is an absolutely natural thing," he said, without elaborating on the nature of the weapons purportedly acquired.'
Surface-to-air missiles said to be included.
Interview exclusive de khaled Abou Al Abbass, alias Bellawar.
http://www.cridem.org/media/photos/p...lusive_ani.jpg
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...684af2b5bb7652

Ennahar Online - 35 Libyans arrested and an arsenal of weapons seized in Djanet
"the operation occurred yesterday morning at 320 km east of Djanet, near Ain Ezzen on the border with Niger and Libya" - 320 kms east of Djanet would be in Libya proper, I think? Must have been right where Algeria-Libya-Niger meet. Ain Ezzen isn't on my map.
That's what you get for cutting a corner.

In Ezzane is about 240 km SE of Djanet - near the triple point of Libya, Niger and Algeria but within Algeria. I expect that the interception happened near the SW exit of Libya. They were probably skirting the NW part of the Djado plateau into Niger or far SE Algeria. You need a GPS to know which country you're actually in there. I drove down that way to Niger from Djanet some time ago. It is vast and empty.

Sounds like gun-running rush hour out in the Tenere these days.

I suppose Tumu is too obvious at the moment so they may have slipped down the right side of Akakus (left of Messak and Murzuk Erg) past Col d'Anai (the border) and from there its only a couple of hours across Algeria into Niger. But the Algies were on it.

In Ezzane is an 'unfriendly [Alg] army base' I've heard. Always wanted to explore that tri-border area. Google puts the well here, the base may be this? - there are tracks in the oued just to the NW.

You can kill hours on Google sat... Have a look at Tumu and follow the sandy track east, from where the tarmac ends past various compounds. Heaps of stuff lying around in neat piles - oil drums? Found this great image too of the airport there (west of the road, crosses the border) - a lot of PSP!

Ch

Now the malians desperately want their own oil (imports amount to 27% of the total) wonder what arrangements they've made with Bamako. Will that change now? Touareg situation is at the heart of it
This Feb 2010 wikicable offers some insight into the relationship between Algiers and Bamako.
Cable Viewer
from the US embassy Bamako. GOM = Government Of Mali

"Algerian ambassador Ayadi said Algeria's
and Mali's fate were tied together by history and geography.
Unfortunately, the two countries have a very different
approach to dealing with the threat of AQIM, which has
installed itself in the North of Mali, and has proven itself
capable of doing a lot of harm not only in the region but
internationally. The GOM is not living up to its
international obligations with respect to countering
terrorism and has displayed a fair degree of laxity, if not
to say complicity in dealing with the terrorists. ...
He said paying ransom
will only make citizens of the ransom-paying nations targets
of future hostage taking attempts. If they stay out of the
North, the terrorists will only come down to Bamako to snatch
them. ...
Ayadi said that when one's house is on fire, one
does not wait for the fire truck to do something. The GOM is
not operating in good faith. The summit is not a
pre-condition to action. We do not have the impression that
the GOM thinks of AQIM as the enemy. He said the release of
the information he was about to relate had not been cleared
by Algiers: the Algerian army had attempted to conduct an
operation against AQIM with the Malians on Malian soil, but
AQIM had been tipped off in advance and moved out of range.
He said that several months ago, Algeria had formally
requested the extradition of two high level detainees, but
the GOM responded that they were not in their custody. ....
Ayadi claimed that the Malian Army had shown
capability to take action against the Tuareg rebellion but
refuse to do anything about AQIM. Niger has fewer resources
but does more in the fight, and the proof is that AQIM has
been unable to establish a base in that country. It looks
worse than weakness on the part of the Malians, it looks like
willful complicity. ....
As it is easier, and feels more virtuous, to list problems than work toward
solutions, it seems likely that efforts to bring Mali and
Algeria closer to fight AQIM, though necessary, will continue
to be a very uphill battle. "

ALGERIA - Sonatrach returns to Taoudeni region - Maghreb Confidential
Sonatrach returns to Taoudeni region
"There’s been an improvement in the business climate between Mali and Algeria. With a delegation from the Garde Nationale Algerienne headed by colonel Moustapha Salmi currently spending a week in Mali to tighten security on the border between the two countries, Sonatrach is about to resume exploration on Mali’s side of the Taoudeni basin. SIPEX, an affiliate of Algeria’s national oil company, penned an agreement in Bamako in February, 2007, to explore and produce oil on block 20 in the basin. In 2009, it conducted a seismic campaign that reportedly came up with promising results but security problems in the region (where Al Qaida in Arab Maghreb operates) led the subsidiary to rein in operations.

In addition, to avoid having to meet its drilling commitments on its other concessions in the basin, Sonatrach handed back almost all of blocks 1,2,3,4 and 9 to the government, in conjunction with its partners ENI and Baraka Petroleum.

The fresh start to work on the Taoudeni comes on the heels of a visit to Algiers by Mali president Amadou Toumani Toure in October."

They can seal that border all they like, but will they operate inside Mali? If not, who will?

Has anybody seen any articles about the Brit and Italian kidnapped in Northern Nigeria recently? Did AQIM or Boko Haram admit any involvement? This story seems to have gone quiet.