03.05.2026 05:46
In the West African country of Mali, clashes between the army and armed groups Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have escalated. While the Malian army launched operations in several cities, its use of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones to strike targets drew attention.
In the northern and central parts of Mali, clashes between army units and armed groups have intensified again in recent days. Following coordinated attacks by Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and separatist FLA groups on strategic points, the Malian army has launched a large-scale counter-operation. The clashes are reported to be concentrated especially around Kidal and Bamako.
MALIAN ARMY USES TURKISH UAVs IN OPERATIONS
During the operations, Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in the Malian army's inventory played a critical role. National defense sources announced that militant convoys and shelters detected by the UAVs were hit with pinpoint accuracy, while footage of the operation moments was shared with the public. The army, striving to maintain technological superiority, aims to halt the advance of armed groups through air operations.
SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS IN MALI
In Mali, early in the morning of April 25, armed groups called Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) launched joint coordinated attacks.
Heavy gunfire was heard from the Kati military base in the capital Bamako, the military camp around Modibo Keita Airport, and several cities, primarily Kidal, Gao, and Sevare, with explosions and clashes breaking out.
A suicide bomb attack was carried out on Defense Minister Sadio Camara's home in Kati, and Camara, who was injured in the attack, died in the hospital where he was taken.
The FLA recorded that it had taken full control of the city of Kidal in the north of the country, and that mercenaries from the Russian Africa Corps and Malian soldiers had left the city under the terms of the agreement reached.
The Malian army announced that, as part of the sweeping operation launched after the attacks, more than 100 terrorists were neutralized in an air operation in the Koulikoro region.