An al Qaeda-linked group called Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a military base in northeastern Mali. This followed a dual assault the day before, where JNIM was also blamed for attacking another military camp and a boat, resulting in the deaths of over 60 people. In the boat attack and camp raid, at least 49 civilians and 15 soldiers were killed. Many of the deaths on the boat were due to drowning rather than gunfire.
Mali has been facing a security crisis for years, with various insurgent groups, including those linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State, operating in the country. The northern region of Gao has been a hotspot for Islamist activity. Frustration over growing insecurity has led to military coups in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, since 2020. These coups have raised concerns among global powers with strategic interests in the region.
The United Nations has been involved in peacekeeping efforts in Mali, but they have been in the process of departing, leaving a security vacuum in the region. This has allowed Islamist groups to step up their attacks. The report mentions that the Malian military has teamed up with the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group, which is a relatively recent development and has likely influenced the security dynamics in the country.
The violence continues to escalate, with an attack on a military base near Gao International Airport. This resulted in explosions and a gunfight between assailants and soldiers. Access to the city was blocked, the airport was closed, and government buildings were guarded by soldiers.
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SOURCE
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/al-qaeda-branch-claims-attack-on-second-mali-military-base/ar-AA1grVpC
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2586970-al-qaeda-branch-claims-attack-on-second-mali-military-base