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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 123769 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC MR
SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING: MAURITANIA 
 
STATE 00123769  001.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶1. The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of 
the risks of traveling to Mauritania, and urges extreme 
caution when traveling there due to increased activities 
by the terrorist group Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb 
(AQIM).  AQIM continues to demonstrate its intent and 
ability to conduct attacks against U.S. citizens or other 
foreign nationals.  Most recently in a presumed terrorist 
action, three Spanish NGO workers were kidnapped from 
their vehicle while driving from Nouadhibou to Nouakchott 
on November 29, 2009.  The U.S. Department of State also 
recommends against all non-essential travel to the Hodh 
El Charghi region, the eastern half of the Tagant region, 
as well as the Zemmour region of Mauritania, and strongly 
discourages travel to unpopulated areas of eastern 
Mauritania.  Faith-based organizations operating in 
Mauritania, regardless of location, may also be 
particularly targeted.  This Travel Warning replaces the 
Travel Alert for Mauritania, which was issued on 
September 1, 2009, to remind travelers of security 
concerns. 
 
¶2. As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide 
Caution dated July 29, 2009, AQIM has been designated as 
a terrorist organization by both the United States and 
the European Union.  AQIM has declared its intention to 
attack Western targets. 
 
¶3. On August 8, 2009, a suicide bombing near the French 
Embassy in Nouakchott injured two French guards and one 
Mauritanian citizen.  The bomber is believed to have 
acted on orders from AQIM.  On June 23, 2009, a private 
U.S. citizen was shot and killed in Nouakchott in an 
apparent kidnapping attempt by individuals associated 
with AQIM.  Terrorists also killed 11 Mauritanian 
soldiers out on patrol approximately 40 miles from the 
northern town of Zouerate in September 2008.  The Israeli 
Embassy and an adjoining nightclub frequented by 
Westerners were attacked in Nouakchott in February 2008. 
In December 2007, terrorists shot and killed four French 
tourists and wounded a fifth near the town of Aleg in 
southeastern Mauritania.  Two days later, terrorists 
killed four soldiers near the town of El Ghallaouiya in 
northern Mauritania.  The perpetrators of these attacks 
are all believed to be linked to AQIM. 
 
¶4. As a result of these safety and security concerns, 
Peace Corps has temporarily suspended its volunteer 
program in Mauritania.  The State Department, Peace 
Corps, and Embassy Nouakchott are continually evaluating 
the security situation in preparation for a return of the 
Peace Corps' volunteer program at the first possible 
opportunity. 
 
¶5. Travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to the 
Hodh El Charghi region of southeastern Mauritania, the 
eastern half of the Tagant region of central Mauritania 
(east of Tidjika) and the Zemmour region of northern 
Mauritania due to increased AQIM activities in these 
areas.  Travel in the unpopulated areas of eastern 
Mauritania (areas east of Zouerate and Chinguetti and 
north of Nema) is strongly discouraged due to the threats 
of terrorism and banditry.  U.S. Embassy staff members 
are authorized to travel to these regions only with 
Mauritarian government escorts. 
 
¶6. U.S. citizens should not venture outside of urban 
areas unless in a convoy and accompanied by an 
experienced guide, and even then only if equipped with 
sturdy vehicles and ample provisions.  Driving after dark 
outside of urban areas is also strongly discouraged. 
There have been reports of banditry and smuggling in the 
more remote parts of Mauritania.  Landmines also remain a 
 
STATE 00123769  002.2 OF 002 
 
 
danger along the border with the Western Sahara. 
Travelers should cross borders only at designated border 
posts. 
 
¶7. Given AQIM's threats to attack western targets in 
Mauritania and the region, and due to indications of a 
desire to kidnap Westerners for ransom, U.S. citizens 
should remain aware of their surroundings at all times 
and maintain good personal security practices, including 
always locking their homes and cars, varying routes and 
time of travel, and avoiding drawing attention to 
themselves.  When going out, they should avoid being part 
of large, highly visible groups of Westerners, and avoid 
sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street 
when in restaurants or cafes.  U.S. citizens should be 
particularly alert when frequenting locales associated 
with Westerners, including cultural centers, social and 
recreation clubs, beach areas, and restaurants. 
 
¶8. All U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to 
Mauritania are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy 
through the State Department's travel registration 
website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  By 
registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy 
to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy 
is located between the Presidency building and the 
Spanish Embassy on Rue Abdallaye.  The postal address is 
B.P. 222, Nouakchott, telephone (222) 525-2660/2663, 525- 
1141/45, or 525-3038 (ext. 5441), and fax (222) 525-1592. 
For after-hours emergencies, please call (222) 525-3288. 
The Embassy webpage is http://mauritania.usembassy.gov. 
 
¶9. Updated information on travel and security in 
Mauritania may be obtained from the Department of State 
by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United 
States and Canada or, for callers outside of the United 
States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501- 
¶4444.  For further information, please consult the 
Country Specific Information for Mauritania and the 
Worldwide Caution, which are available on the Bureau of 
Consular Affairs Internet website at 
http://travel.state.gov. 
 
 
¶10. Minimize considered. 
CLINTON