Mali north of Gao and Timbuktu is the short answer to the question of where not to go.
Depressingly, incidents over the last few years has shown that you can encounter these AQIM guys anywhere between Nouakchott and Tunisia.
Behaviour is important. It was pointed out to us by the locals last trip that we were hanging around Tamanrasset area for too long (11 days, involuntarily), and that people were talking. Our guide told everyone we were going to Mali over Tin Zahouatine, Then we went over Timiaouine instead.
We encountered people in the Mali desert that could be best described as "Arab businessmen". The guide said after they left that they would now be on their cell phones making our presence known.
No reason to be paranoid, but every reason to be cautious.
Contrary to some list members, I don't think it adds to the excitement of being in the desert.
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