An al-Qaeda-linked group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen (JNIM), carried out a deadly attack in Mali’s capital Bamako earlier this week, targeting a police training academy and the nearby airport. The assault left at least 70 people dead, with some sources citing higher numbers of casualties. The attack is considered one of the worst incidents of violence in Mali in over a decade, as the country continues to struggle with an armed uprising that has spread across the Sahel region.
The attack has shocked and angered the West African nation, and raises concerns about the country’s stability following the recent departure of French troops and the military coup in 2021. The militants claimed to have killed and wounded hundreds of security forces, including members of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, and shared videos of the destruction on social media.
The international community has condemned the attack, including the United Nations, neighboring Senegal, and the African Union. The World Food Programme also suffered losses as one of their planes used for humanitarian work was damaged in the attack. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Mali and the region, as well as the need for increased efforts to protect civilians and counter extremist groups.
Experts believe that the attackers may have targeted urban areas to pressure the government to shift resources away from rural strongholds of militant groups. The attack serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region, and the importance of maintaining security and stability in Mali and the Sahel region as a whole.
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