Malian soldiers repelled a coordinated assault near the city of Timbuktu on Monday, killing 13 fighters suspected of belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the army announced.

According to a statement by the Armed Forces of Mali (FAMa), the confrontation occurred near Timbuktu airport, where a group of armed men attempted to launch an incursion. Soldiers swiftly responded, killing 13 attackers and seizing motorcycles, weapons, and communication gear.

FAMa described the situation as “completely under control” and emphasized that counterterrorism efforts would continue in the region.

Jihadist Threat Remains High in Northern Mali

While the army did not explicitly name the group behind the attack, local sources and security analysts suspect JNIM, a coalition affiliated with al-Qaeda that has ramped up operations in northern and central Mali.

Timbuktu and its surrounding areas have seen rising insecurity, especially after the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSMA, which was completed in late 2023.

Government Affirms Commitment to Security

The Malian government reiterated its commitment to securing the north and combatting terrorism. Defense officials stated that reinforcement deployments are being considered to prevent future infiltrations and bolster control over strategic zones.

The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the Sahel, where state forces and jihadist groups are locked in a long-running battle for territory and influence.