Mali’s Army intensifies fight against terrorism with nationwide raids

The General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces has announced that a series of counterterrorism operations were conducted across multiple regions of the country as part of the large-scale security campaign known as Operation Dugukoloko.

Targeted raids against extremist and terrorist elements were carried out in Farabougou, Sokolo, Nampala, Léré, Mourdiah, Gao, Timbuktu, and Gossi, reflecting the operation's broad geographic scope and strategic coordination, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The military successfully neutralized terrorist elements, freed civilian hostages, and seized vehicles, communication equipment, weapons, ammunition, and documents belonging to the militants. Specifically, in Mourdiah, security forces freed three hostages and eliminated four terrorists. An additional four militants were neutralized by the army near the town of Gossi and in central Mali. In the Kidal region, a Malian airstrike destroyed a supply truck transporting ammunition and fuel intended for the militants.   The military's efforts reflect a strong commitment to combating terrorism, restoring peace, and ensuring national security.

On June 5, the General Staff of the Malian Army issued a communiqué stating that in recent weeks, armed terrorist groups have intensified their attacks on towns, civilians, and military installations in Mali and other member states of the Alliance of Sahel States. The statement emphasized that these assaults were carried out with both "internal and external support, including operational, logistical, financial, and informational assistance." The General Staff assured that the Malian army is "launching a counteroffensive across the entire country," providing details on the elimination of enemy personnel, hideouts, logistical hubs, and supply depots used by terrorist groups.  

The armed conflict between the Malian government and extremist and separatist groups began in 2012. Since then, the country has been engulfed in a crisis that has primarily impacted security and socio-economic development. Increased militant activity has been particularly noted in regions bordering neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.

By Naila Huseynova