Mali's Latest Counter-offensive
AESAFRICA
Photo: sahellibertynews.com
BAMAKO, Mali — Mali’s military launched aggressive air-ground counter-operations over the weekend, neutralizing dozens of armed extremists fleeing on motorcycles following a deadly ambush on the Dioura military camp in the central Mopti region. According to official government statements, armed forces quickly mounted a retaliatory response to regain control of the area and hunt down the combatants, targeting insurgent positions in the surrounding bush southwest of the town to neutralize the threat.
The counter-offensive followed a massive assault on the Dioura barracks by jihadist militants linked to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). Security and local sources reported a heavy toll on government forces, confirming that at least 50 soldiers and five Russian paramilitaries were killed during the attack, with local officials estimating the death toll could be as high as 80. Dozens of Malian soldiers were also taken prisoner during the assault, making it one of the deadliest military losses suffered by the junta in recent months.
The escalation comes amid a broader surge in regional violence since late April, as JNIM and allied Tuareg separatists have intensified attacks across Mali. The ongoing conflict has severely tested Mali’s ruling military junta, led by interim leadership that has increasingly relied on Russian military support following the withdrawal of French troops. As search and security operations continue in the Mopti region, the military maintains that air strikes and ground sweeps are ongoing to neutralize any remaining insurgent pockets.