Al-Qaeda linked group says it carried out huge attack on Mali's army

An al-Qaeda linked group has attacked the Malian town of Boulikessi. They also seized an army base there.

More than 30 soldiers died in Sunday’s attack, according to Reuters. However, this figure is unconfirmed by authorities.

On Monday, the same group, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), targeted the military in Timbuktu. Residents reported hearing gunfire and explosions during the assault.

Mali's army stated it repelled a "terrorist infiltration attempt" in Timbuktu. They claimed to have "neutralised" 14 militants and arrested 31 suspects.

The army also seized weapons, vehicles, and other items. However, they did not name the group responsible for the attack. Search operations across Timbuktu are ongoing.

Earlier, the army said it "reacted vigorously" to Sunday’s attack before "withdrawing." This suggests a tactical retreat was made.

The statement noted that many soldiers fought bravely to defend Mali. An unnamed local source told Reuters that JNIM caused many casualties and "cleared the camp."

Unverified video footage showed militants storming the base. One clip captured them stepping on bodies, according to Reuters.

In Monday's attack, JNIM claimed its fighters targeted a military airport and Russian mercenaries. Military sources told AFP they were "fighting back," but militants were "everywhere in the city."

A local official reported that attackers arrived with a vehicle full of explosives. The vehicle detonated near the army camp.

Timbuktu is a UN World Heritage Site. Islamist militants captured it in 2012 but were driven out later. Recently, it has faced renewed attacks.

These incidents highlight collapsing security in Mali and the Sahel region. The U.S. Africa Command warned about growing efforts by Islamist groups to access West Africa's coastline.

During a press conference on Friday, Gen Michael Langley described recent attacks as troubling. He warned that access to the coast would enhance smuggling and arms trafficking capabilities for these groups.

It is believed that militants have killed over 400 soldiers since last month in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, according to Reuters.