Malian authorities reported that soldiers killed dozens of militants affiliated with al-Qaeda's Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) group during an assault on a military base in San on Sunday. The army stated it repelled the attack, though it acknowledged casualties and a temporary retreat.
The incident highlights the ongoing and escalating security challenges in Mali, with militant groups like JNIM demonstrating the capacity to launch significant attacks on military installations, even as the government asserts control. This underscores the persistent instability in the region.
Malian authorities announced on Sunday that their soldiers killed dozens of militant Islamists while repelling an attack on a military base in the town of San. Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a jihadist group linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault, stating its fighters had taken control of the base.
The army, while acknowledging casualties, disputed claims of losing control, with Lt Col El Oumrani, commander of the 23rd regiment, stating in a video that "around 40 terrorists were eliminated" and that the base remained under army custody. Witnesses told French broadcaster RFI that the attack began around 05:00 local time and lasted for two hours, with attackers arriving on motorcycles and on foot, some disguised in army uniforms. One witness reported that militants entered the camp and held it for a significant period before leaving.
Security and local sources cited by AFP news agency indicated that at least 10 soldiers were killed and that the assailants briefly took over the camp. The army reported that militants used drones, heavy machine guns, and armored vehicles to breach the perimeter. The security situation in Mali has been deteriorating for over a decade since a jihadist insurgency began in the north. In April, coordinated attacks by jihadists and separatist rebels occurred nationwide. JNIM has expanded its operations beyond northern Mali into central and southern regions.