Bamako Faces Major Jihadist Attack Amidst Trial Opening
Summary
The Malian capital, Bamako, experienced its first major jihadist attack since the military junta assumed power in 2020, coinciding with the opening of a trial regarding a controversial presidential plane purchase. The Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility, and military officials reported significant casualties. The attack targeted military infrastructures, leading to ongoing violence at the airport and questioning the junta’s ability to maintain security.
On September 17, Bamako, the capital of Mali, was struck by a significant jihadist assault, an occurrence unprecedented since the military junta, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, assumed power in 2020. This incident coincided with the opening of a trial centered on the controversial procurement of a presidential aircraft, which had been presented as a symbol of the anti-corruption measures instituted by the current regime. In a calculated act of defiance, a member of the Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) ignited the engine of the presidential plane stationed on the airport tarmac, representing a severe affront to the junta’s authority. The attack initiated at approximately 5:30 AM, marked by the sounds of gunfire and explosions, particularly around the gendarmerie training center located in the Faladié district and near Modibo Keita International Airport. In a statement released shortly after the incident, JNIM declared that it had executed a “specific operation” targeting both the military airport and the gendarmerie base, subsequently claiming significant casualties and damage, including the destruction of multiple military aircraft. The military swiftly responded to contain the assault, with the General Staff reporting that a group of attackers attempted to infiltrate the gendarmerie base. General Oumar Diarra confirmed by mid-morning that the assailants had been neutralized, while subsequent operations led to the arrest of suspected collaborators, who were subsequently displayed in a televised broadcast. According to a Malian officer communicating with Le Monde, the conflict at the gendarmerie school resulted in approximately 60 fatalities, alongside many injuries amongst the personnel stationed there. A source within the military suggested that the attack on the gendarmerie served as a diversion, aimed at neutralizing elite units to prevent them from thwarting the jihadists’ primary target: the airport. Throughout the day, sporadic gunfire continued, accompanied by plumes of smoke rising from the airport premises. The jihadists managed to assert control over several zones of the airport, engaging in violent acts such as firing into the abandoned presidential pavilion and igniting hangars, consequently damaging one of the engines of the presidential Boeing. Reports indicated that one of the military’s CASA C-295 transport aircraft was destroyed, while others suffered damage during the conflict. Furthermore, the commercial area of the airport was not immune, as evidence of the assault included visible bullet impacts on the windows of the boarding hall and duty-free shop, underscoring the breadth of the attack’s impact.
The recent jihadist assault on Bamako marks a disturbing escalation in violence in Mali, particularly in the context of the ongoing security challenges since the military coup in 2020. The junta, which has positioned itself as a bulwark against corruption and a stabilizing force in the region, faces growing threats from jihadist groups operating in the Sahel. This attack not only discredits the junta’s narrative of security but also raises questions about its effectiveness in combating insurgent activities, especially given the reported involvement of foreign mercenaries from the Wagner Group. The historical backdrop of political instability, combined with persistent radicalization movements, contributes to a complex security environment that poses significant challenges to the Malian state.
In summary, the jihadist attack in Bamako represents a significant escalation in the conflict that Mali continues to grapple with since the military takeover in 2020. It underscores the vulnerabilities of the Malian military and the prevailing threats posed by organized terrorist factions. The attack not only inflicted physical damage but also sought to undermine the legitimacy of the current regime by striking at a symbolic measure of governmental progress. As the situation evolves, the Malian authorities will need to reassess their strategies to effectively counteract and address the escalating jihadist insurgency. Overall, this incident signals a critical juncture for Mali, demanding immediate attention to restore stability and security across the nation.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
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