The Malian armed forces (FAMa) have escalated counter-insurgency operations across multiple regions, dismantling jihadist bases and neutralising dozens of fighters following coordinated assaults by al-Qaeda-linked militants earlier this month.
Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Kayes, Diboli, Nioro du Sahel, Gogui, and Gangontery — came under simultaneous attack by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The group claimed responsibility, alleging that ten Malian soldiers were killed and several military positions captured.
Mali’s military responded with force, killing more than 80 jihadists, according to Colonel-Major Souleymane Dembélé, Director of Information and Public Relations for the Armed Forces (Dirpa). He confirmed that weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles were seized during the counter-offensives.
In the days following the attacks, FAMa extended its operations to suspected militant strongholds. On 12 and 13 July, strikes targeted logistics hubs and a training camp in the Gal-Gal forest, 25 kilometres north of Aourou in Kayes region, while additional raids in Bamadougou, Nara region, dismantled weapons caches, neutralising three fighters and recovering further supplies.
The army reported another major operation on 17 July in Niono, Ségou region, where troops destroyed a jihadist logistics and training base. Authorities said this action prevented militants from re-establishing a strategic foothold in one of the locations hit during the 1 July assault.
Joint efforts with allied forces have also intensified. On 15 July, air operations conducted with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) killed 40 fighters in Anderamboukané, Ménaka region.
Four days later, FAMa units in Timbuktu region intercepted and destroyed two pickup trucks transporting armed fighters near Aguelhoc, before dismantling another militant base in Tin Aïcha.
In a statement, Mali’s General Staff reaffirmed that operations to “search for and destroy terrorist sanctuaries continue.” The military reported no casualties among Malian forces during the latest round of engagements.
The operations underscore Mali’s ongoing campaign to reclaim control over volatile areas amid persistent threats from jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
About The Author
