The Trump administration is considering military strikes in Mali targeting Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-linked militant group, according to current and former US officials cited by The Washington Post.
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The proposed operation comes amid escalating violence in northern Mali, where JNIM and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) have intensified attacks against the Malian military in a bid to seize territory. Since early July, the two groups have been battling government forces despite pursuing different long-term objectives.
If approved, Mali would become the eighth country where President Donald Trump has authorised military action since returning to office.
JNIM ambush kills dozens of soldiers
The latest escalation follows a JNIM ambush on a Malian military convoy in northern Mali, reportedly leaving at least 50 soldiers dead or captured. The militant group also released videos purportedly showing Malian troops surrendering. Among those reportedly killed or captured were Russian fighters from Russia's Africa Corps, which replaced the Wagner Group in supporting Mali's military.
