The Malian Armed Forces have declared a decisive shift in momentum, asserting full control over territories previously contested by armed factions in the northern and central regions. Recent military operations have successfully neutralized threats posed by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in the north and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, operating across central and southern Mali.
According to an official statement from the Malian Army, intense clashes erupted on Sunday near Anifif, a strategic location situated 110 kilometers south of Kidal. The confrontation followed the arrival of additional reinforcements and supplies for the MNLA, prompting a robust counteroffensive by Malian troops.
In their communiqué, the Armed Forces emphasized the resilience and discipline displayed by their units, stating: “Confronted with these deliberate attempts to destabilize, our soldiers fought relentlessly throughout the day, demonstrating unwavering courage and tactical precision.”
The statement reaffirmed the military’s confidence in its capacity to safeguard national sovereignty, protect civilian populations, and dismantle enemy forces. It also dismissed rumors circulating about the presumed death of an MNLA commander, Mbarek Ag Akli, confirming his continued leadership in directing ground operations across northern Mali.
Meanwhile, the MNLA’s spokesperson, Mohamed Mouloud Ramadan, had previously claimed control over Anifif following the resumption of hostilities, though these assertions were not corroborated by independent observers.
