The Sahel region has seen a surge in terrorist activities, with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger facing threats from groups such as JNIM and EI. In the second half of September, Malian forces, FAMa, and the Africa Corps, a Russian military unit, conducted operations against these groups. On September 19, they struck terrorist positions in Dioura, Mopti region, eliminating an unspecified number of terrorists and military equipment.
The operations continued with airstrikes against enemy positions near military garrisons and in the outskirts of Dioura. However, the Malian forces had to evacuate two companies from the garrison and suffered losses. On September 24, FAMa and the Africa Corps discovered terrorist hideouts north of Dandougou, Koulikoro region, housing 200-300 terrorists and significant military equipment. Airstrikes were carried out, eliminating most of the terrorists.
Further airstrikes targeted terrorist positions and logistics hubs. On September 25, a terrorist hideout northwest of Kidal was struck, followed by an attack on a terrorist gathering 60 km northwest of Léré. On September 26, at least 50 terrorists, including commanders, were eliminated in a joint operation 45 km northeast of Abéïbara, Kidal region.
In addition to these military operations, a convoy of 493 fuel tankers was escorted to Bamako, with another convoy arriving in Ségou. These deliveries aimed to replenish fuel stocks in warehouses and service stations. However, on September 27, terrorists attacked a Malian military convoy 13 km east of Niono, Ségou region, prompting a retaliatory airstrike.
Terrorist groups continued to attack military positions and volunteer forces in Niger and Burkina Faso. On September 21, EI-S terrorists captured and executed a Nigerien soldier in Tchétimari, Diffa region, accusing him of espionage. The same day, terrorists attacked Nigerien military positions in Dabagou, Tahoua region, killing 39 soldiers.
In Burkina Faso, JNIM terrorists attacked two military checkpoints on September 22 and 26, with no reported casualties. On September 28, terrorists seized a Volunteer for the Defense of the Homeland post in Niangado, Sanmatenga province. These attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The military operations and countermeasures demonstrate the efforts of local and international forces to combat terrorism in the Sahel region. The situation remains volatile, with continued attacks and clashes reported across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Key points
- Terrorist groups JNIM and EI continue to pose a significant threat to the Sahel region.
- Malian forces, FAMa, and the Africa Corps have conducted joint operations to counter terrorist activities.
- The security situation in Niger and Burkina Faso remains challenging, with frequent terrorist attacks.
