Insurgent Groups Launch Coordinated Attacks on Military Bases Across Mali
Insurgent groups in Mali have launched a series of coordinated attacks on military installations across the country, intensifying security concerns and highlighting the ongoing instability facing the West African nation.
In a statement, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin claimed responsibility for attacks on at least seven military sites on Saturday, adding that it had seized control of three of the targeted installations.
According to military officials, security sources and local residents, the coordinated assault began at around 5:00 a.m. and targeted several towns as well as a prison. The attacks were reportedly carried out jointly by JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front, two armed groups that had previously been rivals but have recently strengthened their cooperation.
The alliance between the two groups has become increasingly significant over the past year after they set aside ideological differences to coordinate attacks against Mali’s military government.
The latest offensive comes only months after the same groups carried out joint attacks that struck the airport in Bamako and reportedly killed the country’s defence minister, dealing a major blow to the military leadership.
Mali’s armed forces said they had successfully repelled Saturday’s attacks and insisted the security situation was “totally under control.” However, rebel groups claimed fighting continued into the afternoon in several locations, particularly in Anefis, one of the few remaining areas in the northern Kidal region where government forces still maintain a military presence.
The renewed violence underscores the continuing security challenges facing Mali, where Islamist insurgencies and separatist movements have fuelled conflict for more than a decade.
The country’s military leaders seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, promising to restore stability and improve national security. Since taking office, the junta has shifted away from military cooperation with France and strengthened security ties with Russia in an effort to combat armed groups operating across the country.
Despite those changes, attacks by extremist organisations have continued, with violence spreading into new regions and placing increasing pressure on the government.
In recent months, Mali has also sought to rebuild relations with the United States, exploring renewed security cooperation while discussing potential investment in the country’s mining sector.
Saturday’s coordinated attacks are expected to raise fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s security strategy as armed groups continue to expand their operations despite years of military campaigns.
