Malian authorities reported that soldiers killed dozens of militant Islamists during a successful defense of a military base on Sunday.
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, claimed responsibility for the assault, during which its fighters briefly seized control of the San base.
The army denied ceding the base but stated its forces had to temporarily withdraw, according to official statements.
This incident occurs as Mali’s security crisis worsens, over a decade after a jihadist insurgency rooted in the north began destabilizing the region.
Lt Col El Oumrani of the 23rd regiment stated in a video, “The enemy was eradicated, and the attack was repelled. Approximately 40 terrorists were neutralized.” He urged residents to stay alert, emphasizing that the base remained under military control.
The attack, lasting roughly two hours from 05:00 local time, involved militants using motorcycles, foot mercenaries, and counterfeited army uniforms to infiltrate the compound, according to witnesses cited by RFI.
One witness noted that fighting occurred 200-300 meters from the base, with some terrorists killed by soldiers while others escaped or hid in nearby homes and forests.
At least 10 soldiers lost their lives, and the assailants temporarily occupied the camp, as per AFP sources quoting security officials.
The army claimed the attackers employed drones, heavy machine guns, and armored vehicles to breach the perimeter, according to ORTM reports.
Since 2012, Mali has faced persistent insurgencies, with large northern and eastern regions remaining outside government control.
April saw coordinated attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front, an alliance of jihadists and separatists targeting the military regime of Gen Assimi Goïta, who seized power in a 2020 coup.
During these attacks, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a suspected suicide truck bombing near Bamako.
JNIM has expanded its operations, targeting not only northern Mali but also central and southern areas, indicating increased operational depth despite repeated military actions.
Following the coup, Mali rejected French military support and instead engaged with Russian forces for assistance.
