Senegal has declared its readiness to support Mali in efforts to restore peace and stability, following a wave of insurgent attacks that targeted military bases in the neighboring country last week.
The Malian military reported that more than 200 suspected militants were killed in targeted airstrikes carried out by its armed forces on Friday. According to the report, the strikes hit a large insurgent column that had crossed from a neighboring border area and was believed to be preparing fresh attacks.
A military prosecutor in Bamako confirmed that authorities have launched an investigation into soldiers suspected of involvement in the coordinated assault on military bases by Al Qaeda’s West Africa affiliates and separatist rebels. Those under scrutiny include active duty and former officers.
Security remains on high alert across Mali. A statement released by the general army staff indicated that patrols are ongoing in all regions, particularly in the north and the Gossi region, where security forces have neutralized dozens of terrorists and destroyed large quantities of seized munitions. In Kati, near the capital Bamako, a large column of terrorists attempting to move south was also neutralized.
“The patrols, including airstrikes, are still on, and the country is in really big alert,” a military source said. “The soldiers are really on standby to bring the security back in the country.”
Alongside the military operations, military courts have begun arresting suspicious individuals, including retired and active-duty military personnel. In a striking development, authorities have also implicated a well-known political figure.
Oumar Mariko, a deputy and prominent democracy advocate who is an opponent of several past governments, has been accused by the government of alleged involvement in the July 25 attacks. According to investigators, Mariko was seen negotiating with militant groups just before the attack to liberate Malian soldiers—a move that Mali’s military now considers a distraction intended to facilitate the assault. He is also accused by the government of being involved in the operations that took place on the 25th.