The United States has urged its citizens in Mali to leave the country immediately using commercial flights, citing escalating instability linked to a fuel blockade enforced by armed groups associated with al-Qaeda.

Militants from Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) declared a blockade on fuel imports to the landlocked West African nation in early September. Since then, they have targeted fuel convoys attempting to enter the country or reach the capital, Bamako.

In response to the shortage, the Malian government ordered a two-week suspension of all school and university classes nationwide.

“Persistent infrastructure challenges in Mali including continued disruptions of gasoline and diesel supplies, the closure of public institutions such as schools and universities nationwide, and ongoing armed conflict between Malian government and terrorist elements around Bamako increase the unpredictability of Bamako’s security situation,” the U.S. embassy in Mali said in a statement.

Observers describe the blockade as a tactic by militant groups to increase pressure on Mali’s military-led government by restricting access to critical economic resources.

The embassy noted that Bamako’s airport remains open but advised citizens to leave by air rather than attempt overland travel to neighbouring countries due to the risk of “terrorist attacks along national highways.”

U.S. citizens who remain in Mali were urged to have contingency plans, including provisions for sheltering in place for an extended period. The embassy stated it is unable to assist citizens located outside the capital.

On Friday, the U.S. State Department authorised the departure of non-essential government personnel and their families due to security risks. The travel advisory for Mali remains at Level 4, or “do not travel.”