Mali Army Repels Jihadist Onslaught, Kills 80 Militants in Cross-Region Counteroffensive

By iNewsAfrica Staff Writer
Date: July 2, 2025

Bamako, Mali – In one of the deadliest escalations of violence this year, Mali’s armed forces say they have killed 80 militants in a sweeping counteroffensive following coordinated attacks on multiple military posts across the country’s central and western regions.

The Malian army confirmed in a televised statement on Monday that its forces neutralized dozens of assailants and seized weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles in a bold retaliatory strike that unfolded across seven towns, including Diboli—a critical border hub near Senegal—along with Kayes, Sandaré, Gogui, Nioro du Sahel, Molodo, and Niono.

The extremist group Jama’a Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), affiliated with al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attacks, boasting that it had briefly overrun three barracks and seized control of several outposts.

“The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they dared to attack,” said Colonel Souleymane Dembélé, spokesman for the Malian armed forces. He added that no part of Malian territory would be left vulnerable to terrorist encroachment.

Military analysts view the offensive as a strategic demonstration of Mali’s evolving defense posture since severing military ties with France and turning to Russian-backed forces for support and training.

The violence comes amid growing fears of a Sahel-wide spillover, as jihadist insurgencies tighten their grip across borders. Security experts warn that the attack on Diboli, just steps from Senegal’s frontier, signals a dangerous expansion of militant ambitions.

Local residents in affected areas reported gunfire, panic, and temporary displacement as fighting raged across the towns. Civilian casualties, though unconfirmed, are feared.

Regional Implications

• Border Security at Risk: The attacks on Diboli and Kayes expose vulnerabilities in trade and transit routes between Mali and Senegal.

• Rising Insurgency: JNIM’s resurgence reflects a broader deterioration in Sahel security, despite increased regional military collaboration.

• Diplomatic Silence: As of press time, ECOWAS and Senegalese authorities have not issued official responses.

iNewsAfrica will continue monitoring this developing story. Follow us for updates on West Africa’s evolving security landscape.