Mali kills 80 militants after al-Qaeda-linked raids escalate
The targeted areas were Nioro du Sahel, Diboli, Kayes, Sandere, Gogoui, Molodo, and Niono.
As a result, the attack affected Nioro, Kayes, Sandere and Gogui, deeply alarming residents and local officials.
Near the governor's residence, Kayes residents reported heavy gunfire and smoke.
The attacks occurred near the borders with Mauritania and Senegal, raising concerns about regional security.
The al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Moreover, JNIM declared that it had acquired numerous army installations, including three barracks.
According to reports from Al Jazeera, quoting JNIM statements, the group described the operation as 'coordinated and high-quality.' The assault marks the third major JNIM attack in the past month.
In addition, the militants had earlier killed 30 troops in central Mali and attacked the airport in Timbuktu.
Mali's army declared the death of 80 rebels during counteroffensive operations.
Insurgents suffered casualties in every combat zone, according to Army spokeswoman Souleymane Dembele.
Weapons, motorcycles, and vehicles used in the attacks were among the confiscated items.
Images of dead insurgents were broadcast on national television by the military.
Official figures for the number of Malian soldiers' fatalities remained unreleased as of 2 July.
For over ten years, Mali has struggled with Islamist insurgencies, including branches of ISIL and al-Qaeda.
The country's continued military rule following the 2020 coup hinders international cooperation. In May 2025, the US Africa Command issued a warning about the growth of militants along West Africa's coastline.
Furthermore, General Michael Langley emphasised the increasing risks of weapon trafficking and smuggling in the Sahel region.
As a result, the attacks highlight growing insecurity in Mali and its neighbouring countries.
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