Bamako: An al-Qaeda linked group has announced its responsibility for a significant assault on the Malian town of Boulikessi, resulting in the seizure of an army base. Reports indicate that more than 30 soldiers were killed in the attack on Sunday, though this figure has not been confirmed by official authorities.
According to BBC, the group Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for targeting the military in Timbuktu on Monday. Residents in the historic city reported hearing gunfire and explosions as the attack unfolded. In a statement, the group praised the soldiers who fought to defend the nation, noting that many fought until their last breath. An unnamed local source told Reuters that JNIM left numerous casualties and had "cleared the camp." Unverified video footage reportedly showed militants storming the base and stepping on bodies.
During the Monday assault, JNIM stated that its fighters targeted a military airport and Russian mercenaries. Military and security sources informed the AFP news agency that they were actively "fighting back," but noted that militants were "everywhere in the city." A local official mentioned that the attackers used a vehicle packed with explosives, which detonated near the army camp.
Timbuktu, recognized as a UN World Heritage Site, was previously seized by Islamist militants in 2012 before being reclaimed. However, it has again been under siege in recent years. These latest attacks highlight the deteriorating security situation in Mali and the broader Sahel region. The incidents follow a warning from United States Africa Command about the increasing efforts by Islamist militant groups in the Sahel to reach West Africa's coastline.
In a press conference on Friday, Gen Michael Langley, commander of United States Africa Command (Africom), expressed concern over the recent attacks in Nigeria, the Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin. He warned that the groups' access to the coast could significantly enhance their smuggling and arms trafficking capabilities. Reuters reports that over 400 soldiers have been killed by militants since the beginning of last month across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.