Jihadist assault leaves at least 10 soldiers dead in central Mali
An intense assault on a Malian military base in the city of San has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 soldiers, marking one of the most devastating strikes against government forces since hostilities escalated in the region. The attack, which unfolded during the weekend, was swiftly claimed by the JNIM jihadist coalition, a prominent armed group operating in the Sahel.
According to security officials, the attackers temporarily seized control of the military installation before being repelled by government troops. Provisional reports indicate that the toll includes at least 10 fatalities among the Malian armed forces, though further assessments are still underway. A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the assault inflicted significant losses on the military, though the exact number remains under review. “We have suffered casualties, but our forces have regained control of the base,” the source stated.
Aftermath and ongoing military response
The attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing Mali as it grapples with an insurgency that has destabilized large swaths of the country. Military personnel are currently conducting a thorough evaluation of the damage and assessing the full extent of the losses. Meanwhile, reinforcements have been deployed to reinforce the area and prevent further incursions by armed groups.
The JNIM has emerged as a formidable force in the region, frequently targeting security installations and civilian populations alike. This latest strike highlights the group’s continued operational capacity and the ongoing threat it poses to both military and civilian targets in central Mali.
