An al-Qaeda-linked militant group has claimed responsibility for a deadly assault on a Malian army base in the town of Boulikessi, near the country’s border with Burkina Faso.
According to multiple sources quoted by Reuters, the coordinated attack resulted in the deaths of more than 30 soldiers, though Malian authorities have yet to officially confirm the casualty figures.
The extremist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), affiliated with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, announced that its fighters overran the military camp during a large-scale, coordinated offensive on Sunday.
In a statement issued in response to the incident, the Malian Armed Forces acknowledged the severity of the assault, stating that troops “reacted vigorously” before making a tactical withdrawal. “Many men fought, some until their last breath, to defend the Malian nation,” the army said.
The base’s seizure marks a significant setback for Mali’s military efforts in the region, which has long been plagued by insurgency and cross-border militant violence.
Boulikessi, situated in central Mali, is a known hotspot for jihadist activity and has seen repeated attacks in recent years.
Security analysts warn that this latest offensive underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups despite regional and international counterterrorism operations.
JNIM, in particular, has intensified its campaign in Mali and neighboring countries, seeking to expand its influence across the Sahel.
As of now, the Malian government has not released an official death toll, and the situation on the ground remains fluid. Reinforcements have reportedly been dispatched to regain control of the area and secure surrounding towns.
