BAMAKO, Mali – Mali’s state television has reported that more than 200 suspected militants were killed in a series of airstrikes conducted by the country’s armed forces on Friday, citing an official statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
According to the broadcast, the strikes hit a large column of fighters who had crossed from a neighboring border zone and were believed to be preparing fresh offensives.
The announcement follows coordinated assaults last week on military installations by an al-Qaeda affiliate operating in West Africa, alongside Tuareg separatist rebels.
Mahamud Tapili, a correspondent based in Bamako, stated that since the attack on the 25th, the army has been conducting patrols across the nation, particularly in the northern regions and the Gossi area. He noted that forces have “neutralized hundreds of terrorists” and destroyed significant quantities of munitions, according to a release from the army’s general staff.
“After the attack in Kati, they have neutralized a large column of terrorists trying to head to the southern part of the capital,” Tapili explained, adding that patrols and airstrikes are ongoing and the country remains under high alert.
Separately, authorities have opened an investigation into soldiers suspected of involvement in last week’s assaults. A military prosecutor in Bamako confirmed that those under scrutiny include both active-duty and retired officers.
The probe has verified the participation of a discharged soldier who was killed during the fighting in Kati. Other individuals identified as alleged co-perpetrators and accomplices include a serving sergeant, a serving warrant officer, a serving chief warrant officer, and a retired soldier.
“The first arrests have been successfully carried out, and all other perpetrators, co-perpetrators, and accomplices are being actively sought,” the prosecutor’s statement read.
Tapili also mentioned that military courts have detained several suspects, including military personnel from both retired and active ranks. He added that a well-known opposition deputy and government critic has been shown negotiating with jihadist groups just before the attack, reportedly to seek the release of Malian soldiers.
“Today, Malian soldiers have considered that as a distraction so that the operation could take place,” Tapili said.
