14.11.25 Reuters Ivory Coast sees 'unusual' flow of refugees fleeing Mali violence

ABIDJAN, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast said it is strengthening security along its northern border in response to "unusual refugee flows" thought to be caused by armed groups' attacks on civilians in neighbouring Mali, which is battling a jihadist insurgency.

Ivory Coast's National Security Council instructed the military leadership to reinforce security in the area after a meeting on Thursday, a government statement said.

The rise in the number of refugees is "reportedly due to attacks on civilians by Armed Terrorist Groups in several localities in southern Mali," the statement said, adding that Ivorian authorities were working to register asylum seekers.