Malian army confirms 80 militants neutralised in nationwide operations

The Armed Forces of Mali have neutralised at least 80 militants involved in attacks on government troop positions across different parts of the country, a military spokesperson said on April 25.

Speaking on national television, Malian army representative Suleiman Dembele stated that the enemy suffered significant losses in every area where it engaged with security and defence forces, adding that at least 80 militants had been eliminated.

Footage broadcast on television showed the bodies of killed militants, along with their weapons and vehicles. No further operational details were provided.

The events of April 25 in Mali are part of a wider, coordinated escalation in the country’s long-running conflict between the military government and armed insurgent groups.

According to reporting from multiple international outlets, including Reuters and AP, armed groups launched simultaneous, multi-city attacks early on April 25 targeting military installations in Bamako, Kati, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal, using heavy weapons and coordinated ground assaults.

The Malian army responded by engaging attackers across several regions, later stating that the situation was “under control” while still carrying out sweeping security operations in affected areas.

These attacks are linked to jihadist networks such as JNIM and separatist Tuareg factions like the FLA, reflecting a rare level of coordination between insurgent actors in northern and central Mali.

The offensive is considered one of the most significant security escalations in recent years, highlighting continued instability despite Mali’s military-led government and support from external security partners.

By Jeyhun Aghazada