A devastating attack by the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM) in Mali’s capital Bamako has left more than 70 people dead and over 250 injured. The attack targeted a police training academy and the nearby airport, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the country since the unrest began over a decade ago. Diplomatic and security sources have reported conflicting death tolls, with estimates ranging from 70 to nearly 100 victims.
The assault comes amidst ongoing armed uprisings in Mali’s north and across the Sahel region, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life. Mali’s military, which took power in a coup last year, has claimed to have stabilized the situation post-French troop withdrawal by turning to Russia for security assistance.
JNIM has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their fighters targeted both military and Russian mercenary groups. The group released videos showing fighters destroying aircraft and causing substantial damage to a plane used by the World Food Programme for humanitarian aid operations. This has raised concerns about the impact on humanitarian efforts in the region.
The international community has strongly condemned the attack, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other officials urging for increased security measures in urban areas. Analysts believe that JNIM’s goal may be to pressure the government into reallocating resources from rural to urban areas, where attacks are more likely to occur. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Mali and the broader Sahel region in combating extremism and maintaining stability.
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