The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have announced the neutralization of approximately 70 militants in a series of coordinated counterterrorism operations conducted between July 15 and 19 across the volatile regions of Menaka, Segou, Kidal, and Timbuktu.
These operations mark one of the most significant military campaigns in recent months and reflect Mali’s intensified efforts to reclaim territory and restore stability.
According to official statements, the operations involved joint ground and aerial strikes, with air support provided by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a regional bloc comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
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The AES, which transitioned into a confederation on July 6, has emerged as a central pillar in the region’s new security architecture following its withdrawal from ECOWAS and La Francophonie.
Military sources confirmed the destruction of several terrorist bases, including logistics hubs and vehicle convoys used by armed groups. While the army did not name specific factions, Mali continues to battle a complex insurgency involving jihadist networks such as JNIM (al-Qaeda’s Sahel affiliate) and ISSP (Islamic State Sahel Province), as well as separatist movements seeking autonomy in the north.
The operations come amid growing concerns over the Azawad Liberation Front, a coalition of five armed groups formed in December 2024 that seeks independence for northern Mali. The government has designated these factions as terrorist organizations, and their activities have intensified clashes in Kidal and surrounding areas.
The AES’s involvement signals a deepening military integration, with the bloc recently announcing the formation of a 5,000-strong joint rapid response force equipped with its own aviation and intelligence capabilities. Russia has pledged to support the initiative through arms and training, further solidifying its role as a strategic partner in the Sahel.
The July operations also follow a failed offensive by JNIM earlier this month in western Mali, where the group targeted military outposts in Kayes, Nioro, and Diboli. FAMa claimed to have repelled the attacks, killing over 80 militants, though analysts warn that JNIM’s evolving tactics—including urban raids and economic sabotage—pose a growing threat.
Security experts note that Mali’s counterterrorism strategy has shifted toward territorial consolidation, aiming to secure trade corridors, mining zones, and border posts critical to national revenue. The AES’s confederation framework allows for joint planning and resource pooling, which could enhance operational efficiency across the tri-border region.
However, human rights groups have raised concerns about civilian casualties and lack of transparency in military operations. The Malian government has pledged to uphold international norms, but independent verification remains limited due to restricted media access in conflict zones.
The AES’s geopolitical realignment has also reshaped regional diplomacy. With ties severed from ECOWAS and France, Mali and its allies are pursuing alternative partnerships, including with Russia, China, and Türkiye, while advocating for non-Western models of development and security.
Despite military gains, Mali’s security crisis remains entrenched. Since 2012, the country has faced waves of rebellion, foreign intervention, and internal displacement. Over 2 million people remain affected by violence, and humanitarian agencies warn of worsening conditions in remote areas.
The government has called for national unity and launched a campaign to reintegrate former combatants, though progress has been slow. Civil society leaders urge inclusive dialogue and political reforms to complement military efforts and address root causes of conflict.
As Mali moves forward under the AES framework, the success of its counterterrorism operations will depend not only on battlefield victories but on its ability to build trust, restore governance, and forge lasting peace in a region long scarred by instability.
