Mali Army Reports 26 Suspected Terrorists, 1 Soldier Killed in Coordinated Attacks

Mali's military announced that at least 26 suspected terrorists and one soldier were killed in a series of coordinated attacks targeting military positions and a prison. The assaults occurred Saturday in various locations across the northern and central regions of the country, as well as near the capital, Bamako.

The army stated that the situation is "totally under control" and that search operations are continuing. According to a statement, the attacks began early Saturday against positions of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) and their allies from the Russian paramilitary group 'Africa Corps' in Aguelhoc, Anefis, and Gao in the north, and Sevaré in the center. The prison in Kenieroba, located about 60 kilometers southwest of Bamako, was also targeted.

In Sevaré, the FAMA reported killing 20 terrorists traveling in armed vehicles and on motorcycles. Another six terrorists were killed in Gao, where the soldier lost his life and four others were injured. The military asserted that "all attacks were repelled with firmness."

Mohamed Elmaouloud, spokesperson for the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA), a separatist movement, claimed on social media that his group launched an offensive to seize Anefis. This region is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Kidal, a city that fell under rebel control in April following coordinated attacks with jihadists. The attack on Kenieroba prison was attributed to suspected members of the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in the Sahel.

These incidents follow a wave of coordinated attacks by the FLA and JNIM on April 25, which targeted the capital and other towns, resulting in the death of Defense Minister Sadio Camara. Mali has been grappling with a severe security crisis for over a decade, marked by the activity of jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, as well as separatist insurgencies in the north.

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All attacks were repelled with firmness. The aerial and ground search operations continue. The situation is under control in all attacked positions.