Gladness Gideon
Suspected jihadist militants launched simultaneous attacks on multiple military installations across western Mali early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the country’s prolonged conflict with extremist groups operating in the Sahel region.
In a statement released later in the day, Mali’s military confirmed that seven of its outposts in the west had come under coordinated assault “very early this morning.” Although the armed forces have yet to disclose casualty figures, residents and local officials reported intense gunfire and explosions in at least four towns.
The attacks, which bore the operational style of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), have not yet been claimed by any group. JNIM has a growing footprint in the region and has previously expressed intentions to expand its influence into neighboring Senegal and Mauritania.
Residents of Kayes, a key city in western Mali, described waking up to heavy gunfire and plumes of smoke near the governor’s residence. “From my house I can see smoke billowing. The gunfire is intense,” one eyewitness told AFP. Another said they were forced to shelter in place amid the chaos.
A military source said the first blast was heard near the governor’s compound before armed gunmen launched an assault on the military camp in the area.
Other towns reportedly targeted include Nioro, Sandaré, Gogui, and Diboli—the latter situated directly on the border with Senegal. Local officials confirmed that Nioro and surrounding communities were “shaken awake by violence.”
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Tuesday’s assaults follow a series of recent high-profile attacks, including the deadly June 2 raid on an army base and airport in Timbuktu and a separate incident that claimed the lives of at least 30 soldiers in central Mali.
Mali, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, has faced more than a decade of insurgent violence. Despite military-led governments in all three countries promising improved security, jihadist activity continues to expand across the Sahel, with civilians and security forces frequently caught in the crossfire.
The Malian army said the situation is being monitored “very closely,” promising to release further details as assessments continue.
The latest violence underscores the persistent threat facing the region and the challenges confronting junta-led governments in restoring stability amid growing insecurity and extremist entrenchment.