Militant Attack in Bamako Leaves Over 70 Dead and 200 Wounded

Conflicts Politics John Brightwater September 25, 2024

Militant Attack in Bamako Leaves Over 70 Dead and 200 Wounded

A militant attack in Bamako, Mali, resulted in over 70 deaths and approximately 200 injuries, targeting a military facility. The incident, claimed by JNIM, is a significant challenge to the ruling junta, marking the first such attack in years. The capital, usually shielded from violence, faces increasing threats as extremist groups gain ground in the region.

A militant assault in Bamako, the capital of Mali, has resulted in the deaths of over 70 people and left around 200 wounded, according to security sources. Reports indicate that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday and targeted a military police training facility and a military airport, involved significant casualties. An anonymous security source has confirmed that 77 individuals were killed and 255 were injured, although an internal confidential document suggested that the death toll may be approximately 100, naming 81 victims. A report from Le Soir daily stated that funerals for approximately 50 military police students would take place on Thursday. Mali’s military-led authorities have yet to provide an official count of the fatalities, but the attack has been attributed to JNIM, a militant group affiliated with Al-Qaeda. Experts note that this is the first operation of its kind in several years, marking a serious challenge to the current ruling junta. Historically, Bamako has been relatively insulated from violent attacks, which are more commonplace in other regions of Mali. The military’s general staff acknowledged late Tuesday that “some human lives were lost,” primarily involving personnel from the military police center. JNIM reported that a significant number of their fighters engaged in the assault, claiming to have inflicted numerous casualties on the opposing forces, including members of the Russian paramilitary group, Wagner. This violent incident coincided with the one-year anniversary of the establishment of a coalition known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all of which have experienced military governance following multiple coups since 2020. In January, these countries announced a severing of ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The security situation in Mali has deteriorated considerably over recent years, primarily due to the rise of militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. The Malian government has faced increasing challenges in maintaining stability, especially following a series of military coups that have shifted governance from democratic to military leadership. In this context, militant attacks have become more frequent, particularly in the northern regions of the country. Yet, attacks targeting the capital, Bamako, have been rare, making this recent incident particularly alarming for the authorities and the civilian population.

In summary, the militant attack in Bamako represents a troubling escalation in violence within Mali, particularly as the capital has previously enjoyed relative safety from such assaults. The rising death toll and the involvement of militant groups highlight the ongoing security crisis in the region. This incident not only poses immediate concerns for state security but also challenges the authority of the military-led government, further complicating the already volatile political landscape in Mali.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com