Malian Defence Minister Souleymane Doucouré was killed in a coordinated attack by jihadist groups and rebels that also saw the seizure of several towns and military bases, officials confirmed Saturday. The assault, which began early Friday, targeted key positions in the central and northern regions of the country.
Attack Details
The minister was visiting frontline troops near the town of Niono when the convoy was ambushed by heavily armed militants. At least 12 soldiers and three civilians were also killed in the attack, according to military sources. The jihadist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the operation, stating it was part of a broader offensive to expand their control.
Seized Territories
Rebel forces, including Tuareg-led groups, capitalized on the chaos to capture the strategic towns of Timbuktu and Gao, along with several military bases. The Malian army confirmed the losses but said reinforcements were being deployed to retake the areas. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) reported heavy fighting and urged all parties to protect civilians.
Regional Implications
The attack marks one of the deadliest against a high-ranking government official since the 2020 coup. Analysts warn that the loss of territory and the killing of the defence minister could destabilize the transitional government and embolden extremist groups across the Sahel. France, which recently withdrew its troops from Mali, condemned the attack and called for a united international response.
Mali has been in turmoil since 2012, when a Tuareg rebellion and jihadist takeover of the north led to a French-led military intervention. Despite ongoing efforts, violence has spread to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
