“Mali Soldiers Ambushed With 15 Dead in Deadly Clash with Jihadists in Mopti Region”

On Thursday, a violent clash between Mali’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and jihadists left at least fifteen soldiers dead in the Mopti region, near Diallassagou. The soldiers were on a patrol mission to protect local farmers when they were ambushed by militants from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

The jihadists, armed with motorcycles, vehicles, and small arms, launched a sudden attack from a hillside. The Malian army responded with heavy gunfire, leading to a fierce and prolonged battle. The casualties included one gendarme and fourteen members of the national guard. Several others were either injured or missing, while the jihadists reportedly sustained few losses.

This attack underscores the persistent security issues in central Mali, where jihadist groups continue to operate and impose their own rules on local communities. These groups have also been holding around 150 civilians hostage for several months. Despite ongoing security efforts, the situation in the region remains unstable, with the jihadists continuing to challenge the government’s control and threaten local safety.

Source: Africa News