The Malian military says it has neutralised several fighters in two airstrikes carried out in the western part of the country as part of intensified operations targeting armed groups operating around forested areas and key routes leading to Bamako.
The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) said they are continuing reconnaissance, search and neutralisation missions against what they describe as terrorist armed groups in the regions of Nara and Wagadou.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the General Staff said an aerial reconnaissance mission conducted on 22 June identified a suspected militant base in Guinguin-Guiré, in the Nara region.
According to the military, surveillance of the site revealed two separate points of interest. The first was occupied by four individuals, while the second consisted of a tent structure.
The army said an airstrike was launched against the group located at the first site and that those present were neutralised, based on preliminary assessments. A follow-up reconnaissance mission was still under way to confirm the outcome of the operation and assess the broader situation in the area.
In a separate statement, the military reported an offensive reconnaissance mission carried out during the night of 22–23 June in the Wagadou Forest, near Guiré, as part of Operation “Dougoukoloko.”
According to the General Staff, suspicious vehicle movements led aerial assets to a suspected militant hideout. The army said the site was destroyed and several fighters were neutralised.
The announcements come as Malian authorities seek to strengthen control over several forest areas considered rear bases for armed groups. Earlier this month, the government designated a number of classified forests, nature reserves and protected areas as military-interest zones, restricting civilian access without prior authorisation.
The measure forms part of Operation Dougoukoloko, established by presidential decree in April 2025 to support the restoration of state authority and sovereign functions across the national territory. The framework includes movement restrictions, controlled access to designated areas, and search-and-cordon operations.
Located in a strategic corridor linking western and central Mali, the Wagadou Forest is frequently cited in military operations. Authorities describe it as an area that may host armed groups, logistical bases and elements involved in attacks against security forces and transport routes.
Since the coordinated attacks of 25 April targeting several localities, including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Mopti, Sévaré and Kidal, the military says it has stepped up both ground and air operations. The attacks were attributed by the authorities to jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda, as well as northern separatist fighters, and marked a new phase of pressure on Mali’s security apparatus.
Routes leading to Bamako remain a major security concern. In recent months, armed groups have attempted to disrupt supply lines to the capital through attacks on convoys, the establishment of temporary checkpoints and harassment operations in rural areas.
To limit the mobility of attackers, authorities have also banned the sale and use of high-capacity motorcycles outside major urban centres. Widely used across rural Sahelian regions, such motorcycles are also employed by armed groups to conduct rapid attacks before retreating.
The Malian military says it will continue coordinated operations across the country and has urged residents to remain vigilant. The coming weeks are expected to provide a clearer assessment of the impact of the reinforced military deployment in western forest zones, where the security of roads, villages and supply corridors remains a critical challenge.
MD/te/Sf/lb/as/APA