The Malian military, through its Direction de l'Information et des Relations Publiques des Armées (Dirpa), has disclosed that its Forces Armées maliennes (FAMa) have made significant gains in the fight against terrorism. According to Dirpa's director, Colonel-Major Boubacar Bocar Maïga, the operations conducted between May and September 2026 resulted in the neutralization of over 4880 combatants from armed groups and the destruction of more than 162 bases.
The operations, which were part of a larger campaign to combat terrorism in the region, also involved the destruction of 315 pick-up trucks and 1300 motorcycles. Colonel-Major Maïga revealed that the FAMa's efforts were focused on three main axes: conserving support points, providing necessary resources to reinforce forces, and preventing enemy forces from reorganizing. The operations were conducted across various theaters, including Gao, Ménaka, and Kidal.
The FAMa's campaign in the region has been ongoing since the attacks on April 25, 2026. The military's efforts have been focused on preventing terrorist groups from regrouping and striking identified positions. The operations have also targeted terrorist logistics and supply chains, particularly those related to illicit gold exploitation and trafficking. Colonel-Major Maïga emphasized that the FAMa's actions have been aimed at consolidating its operational presence in the region.
A significant development in the operations was the FAMa's takeover of Kidal, which was achieved through an offensive launched on October 6, 2026, as part of Operation Dougoukoloko. The operation was complemented by an order titled "Cram-Cram," which aimed to consolidate the FAMa's presence in the region. Colonel-Major Maïga noted that the FAMa's efforts have been supported by aerial vectors that conducted 1887 operational missions and 791 strikes across various theaters.
The FAMa's operations have also involved securing areas and conducting reconnaissance and patrols. On the southern front, efforts have focused on terrorist refuge zones, surveillance of axes, and escorting convoys to support supply continuity. Colonel-Major Maïga emphasized that the FAMa's actions have been aimed at preventing terrorist groups from reorganizing and gaining a foothold in the region.
The Dirpa's director highlighted that the FAMa's campaign has been marked by a series of successful operations, including the destruction of terrorist bases and the neutralization of combatants. He also noted that the FAMa's efforts have been supported by the Malian government's commitment to combating terrorism and promoting national cohesion. Colonel-Major Maïga called on the media to contribute to raising awareness among the population about the importance of respecting the inter-ministerial decree regulating motorcycle circulation.
In conclusion, the FAMa's operations have achieved significant gains in the fight against terrorism in Mali. The neutralization of 4880 combatants and destruction of 162 bases are notable successes in the military's efforts to promote security and stability in the region. The FAMa's continued commitment to combating terrorism and promoting national cohesion will be crucial in sustaining these gains and ensuring a lasting impact on the security landscape in Mali.
Key points
- The FAMa's operations resulted in the neutralization of 4880 combatants and destruction of 162 bases between May and September 2026.
