Italy tells citizens to leave Mali because of security issues

ROME (Reuters) -Italy warned on Wednesday against travel to Mali because of security concerns as the government there comes under increasing pressure from al Qaeda-linked insurgents, who are imposing a fuel blockade.

"Italian nationals already in Mali are urged to leave the country as soon as possible," the Italian Foreign Ministry said, noting a severe fuel shortage in the West African country risks worsening the security situation, even in the capital Bamako.

The warning echoes one issued by the United States to its citizens on Tuesday.

An Italian foreign ministry spokesperson said there were around 70 Italians in Mali, mostly in the capital Bamako.

Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin militants announced a blockade on fuel imports to the landlocked West African country in early September. They have since attacked convoys of fuel tankers attempting to enter the country or reach the capital, Bamako.

(Writing by Keith Weir and Alvise Armellini, editing by Ed Osmond)

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