The Malian army has claimed the killing of ovr 80 jihadists following coordinated attacks in seven towns across the west and center of the country on the morning of July 1, 2025.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a jihadist alliance affiliated with al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Speaking on national television, Colonel-Major Souleymane Dembélé, Director of Information and Public Relations for the Armed Forces (DIRPA), said the military responded swiftly and decisively to what he described as a coordinated offensive by “the forces of evil.”
“The enemy suffered heavy losses wherever they attempted to attack our Defense and Security Forces. Preliminary figures indicate that more than 80 terrorists were neutralised,” Dembélé stated.
He added that Malian forces also seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition, walkie-talkies, motorcycles, and vehicles.
The attacks targeted seven key localities simultaneously: Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Kayes, Diboli, Nioro du Sahel, and Gogui.
According to the army, the assaults were backed by external elements whose presence was confirmed on the ground.
Earlier that morning, JNIM claimed responsibility, asserting that its fighters had overrun three military barracks and numerous other positions, particularly in Niono, Diboli, Sandaré, Gogui, Kayes, and Nioro.
The group also claimed to have shelled the military base in Molodo with artillery fire.
Among the targeted towns, Diboli drew special attention due to its proximity to the Senegalese border—less than two kilometers from the town of Kidira. Eyewitnesses reported intense gunfire at customs and police posts, marking the first time an attack of this scale has occurred so close to Senegalese territory.
No official figures have been released regarding casualties among regular forces or civilians. JNIM has not provided any death toll or detailed outcome, although several independent sources have reported significant losses within the group.
Colonel-Major Dembélé praised the resilience of Malian troops and called on civilians to strengthen their cooperation with the armed forces.
AC/lb/as/APA