Bhutan now more accessible than ever
Bhutan, renowned for its majestic landscapes and unique cultural experiences, is now more accessible than ever for travellers, thanks to several key improvements in travel procedures.
Travelling to Niger? Hold on, you may have to turn around and head some place else.
Travel to Africa is on most travellers’ bucket list. But, this time, going by the latest US travel advisory, you may have to think twice and avoid Niger and some other places.
On Monday. the US State Department issued a travel warning and urged American citizens not to visit Niger or surrounding areas in view of the increasing crime rate and terrorist activities.
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“Terrorist organisations, armed groups, and smugglers operate in the areas bordering Mali, Libya, and throughout northern Niger,” the State Department stated
Recently, militants ambushed US Green Berets in Niger and killed four of them. According to reports, various extremist groups operate throughout both the Sahel and West Africa, including multiple IS and Al Qaeda affiliates.
“Mali-based extremist groups have crossed the border and carried out multiple lethal attacks on Nigerien security forces (FDS) and on US forces assisting the FDS,” the travel warning stated, adding, “There is a high threat of kidnapping by various terrorist groups, who have kidnapped Westerners, including a US citizen, and threatened US citizens in Niger”.
In the wake of the troubled situation, many organisations have suspended operations in Niger.
“As a result of safety and security concerns, some organisations, including foreign companies, NGOs, and private aid organisations have suspended operations in Niger or withdrawn family members and/or staff,” the State Department stated.
So, in view of security concerns, if you are planning to visit Niger, especially if you are an American, it would be best to shelve the plan.
(With inputs from agencies)
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