Below is an areal image of the site of Mauritania’s first car bombing (its second suicide bombing), at a military base east of Nema (Neʿma, Hodh esh-Sharqi) near the border with Mali. The plus sign indicates the target, a barracks; its eastern gate was blown up by a speeding SUV stolen from a rental agency two days ago (reportedly with Malian plates, though it is unclear if this refers to the exploded car or a second one). Shots were fired causing the truck to detonate, wounding three soldiers and killing the driver. The blast is reported to have damaged nearby buildings as well. It is also reported that a second vehicle is being pursued by the Mauritanian military, suspected of carrying a second bomber. Mauritanian papers have speculated that the attack may have been in response to Mauritania’s participation, with France, in the 22 July raid against AQIM in Mali. More to come… [ Thoughts below; updates to follow. ]
Immediate thoughts: Continue reading
