The US Weighs Options in Fight Against Islamist Group
The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of a military intervention against the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate active in Mali, according to sources.
Sebastian Gorka, a senior official at the National Security Council, has argued that a military operation would be effective in countering the group’s activities.
A US administration official refused to confirm or deny reports of possible airstrikes against JNIM, but said the US was encouraging countries in the region to acquire military equipment and services to bolster their anti-terrorist efforts.
The official described the threat posed by Islamist groups in the Sahel as a transnational menace that required international cooperation to address.
Washington has expressed support for the Alliance of States of the Sahel (AES) in its fight against JNIM and another terrorist group, the Islamic State (EI).
The Pentagon declined to comment on the reports, while the State Department reiterated its condemnation of all terrorist activities in Mali.
JNIM has been on the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 2018.
