Al-Qaida is approaching the takeover of control over Bamako, the capital of the state of Mali

Mali is on the brink of a major crisis, with Al-Qaida militants close to taking total control of the capital Bamako, which would make this country the first in the world led by a terrorist organization. The advance of jihadists in Africa has been accelerated by the power takeovers in Afghanistan and Syria. Currently, areas of Bamako are almost completely blocked, and an Al-Qaida affiliated group is imposing an economic siege by restricting fuel supply routes.

The price of fuel has increased by 500%, and long lines have formed at gas stations, generating anger among the population. The U.S. Embassy has advised American citizens to leave the country immediately, considering the rapid deterioration of the situation. The group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, responsible for the blockade, has managed to turn the population's discontent against the government, which is accused of inefficiency in managing the crisis.