Mali Strikes Back: 70 Militants Eliminated in Major Counterterrorism Push

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Mali’s military forces announced a significant victory on Sunday, revealing they had neutralised approximately 70 militants in a series of targeted operations conducted between July 15 and 19, 2025. These strikes were aimed at dismantling armed groups operating in the regions of Menaka, Segou, Kidal, and Timbuktu.

In addition to the neutralisation of the militants, the Malian Armed Forces reported the destruction of several terrorist bases and vehicles. The operations were supported by air forces from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional coalition formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The AES, which became a confederation in July 2025, has rapidly shifted its regional alliances, including withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Organization of La Francophonie. This move signals a broader shift in Mali’s diplomatic and military posture.

While the military did not reveal the specific groups targeted, Mali has been struggling with an escalating security crisis since 2012. Armed separatist factions and jihadist groups, particularly in the north and centre, have fueled ongoing conflict.

Last December, five armed groups formed a separatist front calling for independence in northern Mali. The Malian government classifies these factions as terrorist organisations.

As Mali continues its efforts to reclaim control over its territories, the country’s military operations play a crucial role in combating the persistent threats from armed groups in the region.