Al-Qaeda-linked group claims major attack on Malian Army

An al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama'a Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for two major attacks on the Malian army, BBC reports. On Sunday, militants seized a base in Boulikessi, reportedly killing over 30 soldiers, though the government has not confirmed the toll. Unverified footage shows fighters storming the camp.

On Monday, JNIM attacked military targets in Timbuktu, a historic city already under siege. Mali’s army reported repelling the assault, killing 14 militants and arresting 31 suspects. It did not name JNIM directly but said operations were ongoing.

Local officials described explosions and vehicle-borne explosives near army sites. The attacks underscore Mali’s deepening instability as armed groups expand operations across the Sahel.

U.S. Africa Command recently warned that jihadist access to West Africa’s coastline would intensify threats from arms trafficking and insurgency. Over 400 soldiers have been killed in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in recent weeks, according to Reuters.