49 civilians and 15 soldiers killed in Mali in two deadly Attacks
49 civilians and 15 soldiers killed in Mali: Mali witnessed two devastating attacks perpetrated by al-Qaida-linked insurgents in its restive northern region on Thursday. These attacts resulted the tragic loss of 49 civilians and 15 government soldiers. The country’s military junta issued a statement, revealed the assaults. These attack targeted a passenger boat near Timbuktu on the Niger River and a Malian military position in Bamba, further downstream in the Gao region. These attacks have been attributed to JNIM, an umbrella coalition of armed groups aligned with al-Qaida.
Swift Response by Malian Forces
Ad
In response to the attacks, the Malian government forces successfully neutralized approximately 50 assailants. The junta has declared a three-day national mourning period begins from Friday. The mourning period is to honour the people and troops killed in these horrific crimes.
Escalation of Terrorist Activity in Mali
According to a recent United Nations report al-Qaida-affiliated and Islamic State linked groups have significantly expanded their territorial control in Mali, nearly doubling it in less than a year. This attack increase in extremist activity can be linked to a government that lacks strength and frequent attacks on communities. These conditions have made it easier for extremist groups to grow. The situation has raised concerns that Mali may experience a resurgence of the 2012 scenario when a military coup occurred. The northern rebels established an Islamic state. While a French-led military operation eventually ousted the extremist rebels from power in the north. They relocated to more densely populated central Mali in 2015 and continue to pose a threat.
Political Turmoil and External Involvement
Mali has been grappling with political instability with a coup in August 2020 leading to the overthrow of the president. Subsequently, an army colonel orchestrated a second coup and assumed the presidency in June 2021. Notably, the new leadership developed ties with Russia military and the Wagner mercenary group. The leader of Wagner mercenary group is Yevgeny Prigozhin, tragically perished in a plane crash in Russia on August 23.
Timbuktu Under Siege
Since the end of August, Timbuktu has been surrounded and blocked by armed groups. This has made it difficult to bring important things the city needs. Because of this, blockage more than 30,000 people have left Timbuktu. The people also left the nearby area of Timbukta. The United Nations humanitarian agency shared this information in a report in August.
U.N. Peacekeeping Mission Withdrawal
Because the violence in Mali is getting worse, the United Nations has decided to bring back its 17,000 peacekeepers, known as MINUSMA, from Mali. Whom the government asked them to leave. They plan to finish schedule by the end of the year. It’s important to know that MINUSMA has become the most dangerous United Nations mission in the world. With more than 300 of its people losing their lives while doing their job.
Regional Implications took 49 civilians and 15 soldiers killed in Mali
The worsening security situation in Mali has had a destabilizing effect on West Africa volatile Sahel region. Mali has witnessed two coups since 2020. With military authorities pledging to quell the jihadist violence that continues to plague the nation.
Swift Response by Malian Forces
