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US considering military operations against Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists in Mali - report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The U.S. is considering military operations in Mali against Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists, according to a report.
  • The potential strikes would target Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a group active in Mali and surrounding West African nations.
  • The White House described the issue as a "multinational problem" and urged regional partners to support counterterrorism efforts, while criticizing Russia's involvement.

The United States government is weighing military options in Mali due to the presence of Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists, The Washington Post reported, citing anonymous officials. This potential action would mark the eighth nation struck by the U.S. military since President Trump's second term began in January 2025.

We urge regional partners and NATO allies to support the Alliance of Sahel States in their war against JNIM and ISIS.

— White House officialDescribing the JNIM threat as a 'multinational problem' and urging support for counterterrorism efforts.

Officials cited in the report indicated that Sebastian Gorka, Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, supports the potential strikes. The group in question, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and operates primarily in Mali, but also in Niger and Nigeria. The group is estimated to have over 6,000 members.

We hope that other African nations take note of Russia’s terrible performance in combating terrorism.

— White House officialCriticizing Russia's involvement and effectiveness in the region.

A White House official characterized the JNIM threat as a "multinational problem" and urged regional partners and NATO allies to support the Alliance of Sahel States in their fight against JNIM and ISIS. The official also criticized Russia's perceived lack of assistance in combating terrorism in the region.

We unequivocally condemn the terrorist activity in Mali.

— State Department spokespersonResponding to inquiries about potential U.S. military operations.

The Pentagon declined to comment, but the State Department stated that the U.S. "unequivocally condemns the terrorist activity in Mali." However, an independent expert, Corinne Dufka, warned that any U.S. military action could backfire and lead to JNIM targeting American citizens, potentially squandering an opportunity to de-radicalize the organization.

They [the US] could be squandering an opportunity to de-radicalize and demobilize one of the world’s most sophisticated jihadist organizations.

— Corinne DufkaAn independent expert on the region, warning about potential negative consequences of U.S. action.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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