The Malian army said it neutralised several fighters in a strike carried out on Tuesday against a group of motorcyclists spotted in the Ouagadou forest, near the village of Ngoma Koura, as part of Operation Dougoukoloko.
According to the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces, several columns of motorcyclists were detected and tracked using intelligence. After the information was verified, a group gathered under a tree near Ngoma Koura was targeted.
Initial observations point to “several terrorist elements neutralised,” although no casualty figure was given. The army also did not specify the identity or affiliation of the group targeted.
Surveillance and reconnaissance operations are continuing in the area to assess the results of the strike, establish a final toll and search for any fighters who may still be in the zone.
Located in the Nara circle, north of Bamako, the Ouagadou forest covers about 25,900 hectares. The area has faced insecurity for several years, disrupting the activities and movements of local residents.
Operation Dougoukoloko is part of the Malian Armed Forces’ (FAMa) efforts to step up surveillance of the territory and fight armed groups. Mali has faced a security crisis since 2012 involving, among others, jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
MD/te/Sf/as/APA