The Malian military has announced the killing of more than 80 jihadist fighters in response to a series of simultaneous assaults carried out by the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) across multiple regions in the country.
Colonel-Major Souleymane Dembélé, Director of Information and Public Relations for the Armed Forces (DIRPA), confirmed the military’s counter-offensive during a televised statement on Tuesday, July 1. He described the response as a resolute blow to what he termed the “forces of evil.”
“The enemy suffered significant losses wherever it attempted to attack the Defense and Security Forces.
The provisional toll shows more than 80 terrorists neutralized,” he said, adding that government forces recovered a significant cache of war materials, including firearms, ammunition, walkie-talkies, motorcycles, and vehicles.
The attacks targeted seven key locations—Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Kayes, Diboli, Nioro du Sahel, and Gogui—early Tuesday morning.
The army has described the incidents as being “supported by sponsors whose presence has been confirmed” on the ground, without elaborating further.
JNIM had earlier claimed responsibility for the coordinated assaults.
The group said it had taken control of three barracks and multiple military positions, including in Niono, Diboli, Sandaré, Gogui, Kayes, and Nioro, and also launched an artillery bombardment on the Molodo military base.
Among the targeted areas, Diboli has drawn particular attention due to its proximity—less than two kilometers—from the Senegalese border town of Kidira.
Witnesses reported intense gunfire exchanges involving customs and police posts, marking the first time such a violent incident has struck this border region.
No official figures have been released concerning casualties among the Malian military or civilians. JNIM has also not disclosed its own losses, though independent sources suggest heavy fatalities among the militants.
Colonel-Major Dembélé praised the bravery of the Malian troops and called on the population to increase its support and cooperation with the national armed forces in the ongoing fight against extremism.
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