In a dramatic escalation, Jama’a Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched simultaneous attacks on at least seven strategic towns in western Mali, including key military and border hubs.

Western Mali Under Siege

The attacks targeted Niono, Molodo, Sandaré, Nioro du Sahel, Diboli, Gogui, and the regional capital Kayes — a major city near the Senegalese border. Several of the towns host military facilities or serve as key logistical and border transit points.

The Malian army confirmed all attacks were underway, with local sources reporting intense fighting and rising smoke in Kayes. Residents described hearing heavy gunfire near the military base. According to unverified reports, multiple militants were captured alive during the clashes in Kayes.

JNIM Claims Territorial Gains

JNIM released statements claiming responsibility for the coordinated assault. The group said it had taken control of five security checkpoints surrounding Niono and the city’s main military base — a move, if confirmed, that would mark one of its most significant territorial gains in the region in recent months.

The full scope of casualties and damages remains unclear, but early reports indicate JNIM suffered considerable losses, particularly in Kayes, where the Malian army mounted strong resistance.

Strategic and Regional Implications

Diboli and Gogui, both located near the Senegalese border, are critical for regional commerce and troop movement. Kayes, one of Mali’s largest cities, serves as a vital administrative and military hub for western operations. A successful push by JNIM in this region would pose a serious threat to national cohesion and cross-border stability.

The latest offensive signals a tactical shift, with JNIM now targeting Mali’s western corridor, long considered less volatile than central and northern zones.