Mali Says Over 200 Suspected Militants Killed in Airstrikes Amid Military Probe Into Base Attacks

BAMAKO, Mali – Mali’s state television has announced that more than 200 suspected militants were killed in a series of airstrikes carried out by the country’s armed forces on Friday, citing a statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

According to the report, the strikes targeted a large column of fighters who had crossed from a neighboring border area and were believed to be preparing fresh attacks.

The announcement comes following coordinated assaults last week on military bases by an al-Qaeda affiliate in West Africa and Tuareg separatist rebels.

Mahamud Tapili, a correspondent from Bamako, reported that since the attack of the 25th, the army has been patrolling across the country, mainly in the north and in the Gossi region. He said forces have “neutralized hundreds of terrorists” and destroyed large amounts of munitions, according to a statement released by the general army staff.

“After the attack in Kati, they have neutralized a large column of terrorists trying to head to the south part of the capital,” Tapili said, adding that patrols and airstrikes are continuing and the country remains on high alert.

Separately, authorities have launched an investigation into soldiers suspected of involvement in last week’s assaults. A military prosecutor in Bamako says those under scrutiny include active duty and former officers.

The investigation has confirmed the involvement of a discharged soldier who died during the fighting in Kati. Other individuals identified as alleged co-perpetrators and accomplices include a serving sergeant, a serving warrant officer, a serving chief warrant officer, and a retired soldier.

“The first arrests have been successfully carried out and all other perpetrators, co-perpetrators and accomplices are being actively sought,” the prosecutor’s statement said.

Tapili also noted that the military courts have arrested some suspicious individuals, including military personnel both retired and on active service. He added that a well-known deputy and opponent of the government has been shown negotiating with jihadist groups just before the attack to liberate Malian soldiers.

“Today, Malian soldiers have considered that as a distraction so that the operation can happen,” Tapili said.