&w=3840&q=100)
Africa: Mali army says at least 80 militants killed after Jihadists attacked military posts
Malian army on Tuesday said that it 'neutralised' more than 80 militants after Jihadist fighters launched coordinated attacks on military posts in several towns across Mali, marking the third major offensive against the army in the past month.
According to a BBC report, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, claimed responsibility for the attacks and said it had seized control of three army barracks.
However, Malian army said the enemy suffered significant losses in every location they attacked.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
'The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces,' BBC quoted Army Spokesperson Souleymane Dembele as saying in a statement broadcast on national TV.
Col Dembele added that the army recovered weapons, vehicles and motorcycles from the assailants.
Mali has been gripped by a deadly Islamist insurgency for over a decade, alongside ongoing violence from separatist groups.
Earlier, the military reported that the attacks took place in seven towns and cities, including Binoli, Kayes, and Sandere, near the Senegalese border. Additional assaults were reported further north, close to Mali's border with Mauritania.
A resident of Kayes told the BBC that gunfire could be heard 'everywhere' during the assault.
'The police station was damaged, as well as the governor's house,' he was quoted as saying, adding that casualty figures were still unclear.
JNIM described its latest assault as 'coordinated and high quality' in a social media statement, though it provided no casualty figures.
The group also claimed responsibility for two other major recent attacks.
On 2 June, militants struck an army camp and airport in the northern city of Timbuktu. The day before, a raid in central Mali killed at least 30 soldiers.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
These incidents underscore the escalating insecurity in Mali and the wider Sahel, following a warning from US Africa Command about Islamist militant groups intensifying efforts to reach West Africa's coastal regions.
With inputs from agencies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
3 Indians abducted in Al-Qaeda linked terror strike in Mali, India calls it 'deplorable act of violence'
3 Indians abducted in Al-Qaeda linked terror strike in Mali, India calls it 'deplorable act of violence' Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed serious concern after three Indian workers were kidnapped from a factory in Mali's Kayes region. The Indian government has strongly condemned the incident and asked the Malian authorities to take quick action to ensure the safe return of the workers. In a statement, the MEA said the Indian Embassy in Mali's capital, Bamako, is in regular contact with local officials, police, and the families of the kidnapped workers. Calling the kidnapping a shameful and deplorable act, the government said it stands firmly against any harm done to Indian citizens abroad. 'The embassy is closely working with Mali's government, local security forces, and the management of the Diamond Cement Factory to bring the workers back safely,' the statement said. Indian officials are keeping a close watch on the situation and are doing everything possible to help with the safe and speedy rescue of the three men. 'The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of Mali to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift release of the abducted Indian nationals. Senior officials are monitoring the situation closely and remain engaged to facilitate their early release,' it added. What happened in Mali? On July 1, three Indian workers were kidnapped during a violent attack at the Diamond Cement Factory in Mali's Kayes region. Armed men stormed the factory and took them hostage. This was part of a larger series of attacks that same day. Armed groups also struck several areas across Mali, including Diboli (near the Senegal border), the towns of Kayes and Sandere, and places like Nioro du Sahel, Gogoui (close to Mauritania), as well as Molodo and Niono in central Mali. A terrorist group called Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which is linked to al-Qaeda, later claimed responsibility for these coordinated attacks. They mainly targeted army bases and security posts across the western and central parts of the country. The situation remains tense, and efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped Indian nationals.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Three Indians taken hostage during Al-Qaeda-linked terror group attack in Mali: What we know so far
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement late Wednesday, raising "deep concern" over the "abduction of three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali." The ministry said the safety, security and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains a matter of utmost priority for the Government of India. It also advised all Indian citizens residing in Mali to exercise 'utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the Embassy of India in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.' Three Indian nationals, who were working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Mali's Kayes, were taken hostage on July 1 during a coordinated attack by armed assailants at the factory premises. There has been no claim of responsibility for the kidnappings, news agency PTI reported. But the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) extremist group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack on several Malian army positions in the country's west and central regions. The Ministry of External Affairs said the incident occurred on July 1, 2025, "when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three (03) Indian nationals as hostages." "It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on 01 July 2025," the ministry added. India also called upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals. 'Senior officials of the Ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian Nationals,' the ministry said. The ministry further informed that the Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory. 'The Mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals,' it said.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Cloud of uncertainty over Indo-US BTA seems to be lifting
After weeks of uncertainty and doubts over the US-India trade deal, it seems like it may finally be signed shortly. It may be recalled that the 90-day pause for the tariffs that US President Donald Trump imposed nears its end. He announced the pause on April 9. Washington imposed a 26 per cent tariff rate on Indian made goods. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is quoted as saying, 'We are in the middle—more than the middle—of a trade negotiation. I hope to bring it to a conclusion, but I can't guarantee it as there is another party involved.' He hinted that this could be done 'over the next few days.' Incidentally, the US has corroborated this. Saying that Trump shares a 'very good relationship' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this much during a press briefing: 'Yes, the President said that last week [that the US and India are very close to a trade deal], and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you'll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India.' Hopefully, the optimism expressed by Delhi and Washington materialises. For, quite apart from the knotty bilateral issues, there is the matter of Trump taking credit for stopping the hostilities between India and Pakistan in May. The Indian government didn't like that; this also apparently resulted in the hardened stance by our negotiators. Besides, many Sangh Parivar-affiliated bodies like the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) and Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) were opposed to certain aspects of the India-United States bilateral trade agreement (BTA). These aspects are related to genetically modified (GM) crops, dairy products, relaxed regulations on medical devices, and data localisation. It looks like the government, while addressing the genuine concerns of the BKS-SJM types, has ignored their ideologically motivated demands. This is quite appropriate for policy formulation. The proposed US-India BTA holds significant potential to transform the economic and strategic landscape between the two nations. Beyond the immediate goal of boosting bilateral trade volumes, the BTA can catalyse deepening economic integration and fostering long-term cooperation in key sectors. Increased market access and reduced trade barriers under the agreement would likely encourage higher US investments in India, particularly in areas like manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and services. Furthermore, the BTA could facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies, especially in critical domains like defence, information technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. This technology sharing would not only strengthen India's domestic capabilities but also enhance its global competitiveness. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries could particularly benefit from easier market entry and reduced regulatory hurdles, thereby promoting inclusive economic growth. On a strategic level, the BTA can consolidate the growing US-India partnership, which is increasingly seen as vital for maintaining balance and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Moreover, enhanced economic ties will complement the existing defence and security cooperation, reinforcing the shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based international order. Ultimately, the BTA has the potential to evolve from a mere trade pact into a cornerstone of a robust, multifaceted US-India alliance that spans commerce, technology, investment, and geopolitics.
