Travel Warning from German FCO
 

I'm advised that Werner Nöther - an experienced Saharan noticed the Foreign Ministry in Germany has posted Internet notices warning there was good evidence of new plans to take groups as hostages in areas of Algeria, Mali, Niger and Mauritania, and warning against travel there.

(Let's hope someone warns the Americans who've just arrived to get these guys!)

Chris S

(thanks to JMT @ 153 for passing this on)

Just reached Bamako from the north having abandoned plans to go to Taodenni and on to Mauritania. All kinds of intrigue and rumours flying around up there associated with arrival of US troops. As Americans especially, the Mali military was advising strongly against travel beyond 100km north of Timbuktu.

Gregg