\n\n
Jihadists linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and their separatist Tuareg allies launched coordinated attacks across several towns in Mali on Saturday, targeting military positions, strategic locations and a prison in one of the country’s most significant offensives in recent months. The attacks began around 5:00 a.m. (GMT) and were reported in Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sévaré, and Kenieroba, coming just over two months after a similar wave of attacks that killed Mali’s defence minister.
According to the Malian military, government forces responded to the assaults and said the situation was “completely under control” after repelling the attackers in several locations. The army reported killing dozens of insurgents during the clashes, although it acknowledged suffering casualties. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, while JNIM had not officially commented at the time of reporting. Security sources said the assault on Kenieroba Prison, which houses political detainees, raised fears of an attempted jailbreak.
The latest violence underscores the worsening security crisis in Mali, where Islamist insurgents and separatist groups continue to challenge the military-led government despite ongoing counterterrorism operations and support from foreign allies. Analysts warn that the renewed offensive could further destabilise the country and the wider Sahel region if militant groups continue expanding their coordinated operations.
