Militant Attack in Bamako Leaves Over 70 Dead

A militant attack in Bamako, Mali’s capital, has resulted in at least 77 deaths and 255 injuries, Arab News reported yesterday citing security sources.

The assault, claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM, targeted a military police training camp and a military airport on September 17, marking the first such incident in years. An official document suggests the death toll could be around 100, with 81 identified victims.

Funerals for approximately 50 military police students were reported to take place shortly after the attack. The Malian military authorities have not confirmed an exact death toll. Experts indicate that this assault represents a significant challenge to the ruling junta, which has faced ongoing instability following a series of coups since 2020. The attack occurred shortly after the formation anniversary of the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.