Mali grapples with Deadly Attacks on Army Bases
Bamako – May 7, 2024 –
In a series of violent events, army bases in Mali have been targeted by coordinated attacks. On Sunday, jihadist groups initiated assaults on a base in Timbuktu and another in Boulkessi, leading to considerable casualties. The attacks,which caused the death of dozens of soldiers,raise serious concerns about the security situation in the country and in the broader Sahel region. As the country reels, analysts predict further repercussions and demand answers.
Mali grapples with Deadly Attacks on Army Bases
Twin Assaults Rock Timbuktu and Central Mali
Mali is reeling from coordinated attacks on two army bases, one in the northern city of Timbuktu and another in the central region of the country. The assaults,which occurred on Sunday,resulted in notable casualties among Malian soldiers and the attackers themselves,according to security sources and local officials.
Timbuktu Under Siege
The attack on Timbuktu involved direct assaults on the army base and shelling of the airport. Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire as the military engaged the assailants. The army’s general staff issued a statement claiming thay had thwarted an attempt by terrorist fighters to infiltrate the Timbuktu camp.
The statement further noted that 14 attackers were neutralised,
but made no mention of Malian military casualties.
The army also stated that 31 suspected terrorists
had been arrested and that the terrorists were quickly routed by the swift reaction of the men.
Boulkessi Base Devastated
While the situation in Timbuktu was unfolding, reports emerged of a devastating attack on the Boulkessi army base in central Mali, near the border with Burkina Faso. This attack, which occurred on Sunday, is also blamed on jihadists. The military is mourning the loss of at least 30 soldiers, and security sources fear the death toll may rise.
A security source in Bamako, speaking to AFP, stated: Our units on the ground report the death of 30 people on our side…Our men fought to the end but did not receive the necessary support.
The source added that other soldiers remained missing, highlighting the intensity of the battle and the potential for further casualties.
One local elected official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP, The toll is at least 60 soldiers killed.
A second security source confirmed a similar estimate, stating there were about 60 victims on the side of Malian forces,
including the dead, the missing and the soldiers taken hostage.
In a statement released on Sunday, the army indicated that troops had responded vigorously
to the Boulkessi attack before withdrawing. The statement also declared that many men fought, some until their last breath
to defend their country and that ensuing military operations have destroyed several terrorists grouped in places of retreat.
Analysis: A Region Under Pressure
These attacks underscore the persistent security challenges facing Mali and the broader Sahel region. The presence of various armed groups, coupled with socio-economic grievances, has created a volatile surroundings. The Malian army, despite its efforts, struggles to contain the spread of violence, notably in remote areas.
