Situation Under Control Following Bamako Attack by al-Qaida Affiliate
On September 17, 2023, Bamako, Mali, experienced a terrorist attack by the al-Qaida-affiliated group JNIM, targeting the Faladié gendarme school and a military base. The situation was brought under control, with all assailants neutralized. General Oumar Diarra emphasized the need for national unity and public cooperation in the aftermath. The attack resulted in casualties among students and soldiers, and at least 15 suspects were arrested. This incident marks a significant return of violence in Bamako, coinciding with the country’s upcoming Independence Day.
On September 17, 2023, a terrorist attack was executed in Mali’s capital, Bamako, by the al-Qaida-affiliated group, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). According to reports from AP citing a security official, both the Faladié gendarme school and a military facility adjacent to the Modibo Keita Senou Airport were targeted during the assault. By later that day, the situation was reportedly under control, with General Oumar Diarra, the army chief of staff, visiting the affected camp. He emphasized the importance of unity among the Malian populace, stating that the attack was deliberately executed to sow division. “I’m telling the Malian people that this attack was done on purpose, and that we’re all Malians and we mustn’t let people pit us against each other, so we must avoid amalgams,” he urged. General Diarra further called for public cooperation in providing intelligence to authorities, recognizing the significant assistance such support has historically afforded in apprehending suspects. He noted, “I think their support has been very substantial, allowing us to pick up suspects here and there. The investigations are ongoing.” The army confirmed that “all the terrorists” involved in the raid on the gendarme school were neutralized. Regrettably, the attack resulted in fatalities among both students and soldiers, as conveyed by a statement broadcast on the national channel, ORTM 1. While an anonymous official acknowledged the occurrence of material damage, specifics were not disclosed. Reports indicate that at least 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. Notably, JNIM also released a video purportedly depicting its fighters igniting flames on a presidential aircraft and a pavilion near the Bamako airport. Following the incident, the army initiated a security sweep to ensure the elimination of any remaining threats. This event marks a significant resurgence of violence in Bamako, which has been relatively peaceful for several years, amid ongoing pressures from terror groups targeting Mali’s military forces. The attack coincides closely with Mali’s forthcoming Independence Day celebrations on September 22. Historical context reveals that similar assaults have plagued the region, including a 2022 attack on a Malian military checkpoint that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, as well as a 2015 attack on a hotel that claimed numerous lives, including that of an American citizen.
Mali has faced enduring challenges with terrorism and insurgency, particularly from groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State. The capital, Bamako, has been relatively insulated from attacks in recent years, but the resurgence of violence underscores the continual threat faced by military forces and civilians alike. Groups like JNIM have been known to target both military and civilian installations, aiming to exert pressure on the Malian government. Past incidents include significant attacks in 2015 and 2022, which have contributed to an atmosphere of insecurity and instability in the region. As Mali approaches its Independence Day, the attack serves to further highlight the vulnerabilities within the nation and the challenges that lie ahead in combating terrorism.
The attack in Bamako by JNIM represents a concerning escalation in violence, illustrating the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in Mali. The quick response from the military and calls for unity from leadership underscore the urgent need for national cohesion and resilience against such threats. The reported fatalities, along with arrests, indicate a significant response to the incident, yet it reaffirms the ongoing battle against terrorism in the region. As Mali moves towards a significant national celebration, the implications of this attack will likely resonate within both security strategies and public sentiment.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
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