The jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), affiliated with al-Qaeda, has intensified its use of armed drones in the Sahel since 2023, posing a growing threat to regional counterterrorism efforts, according to a report released Tuesday by the Policy Center for the New South.
Co-authored by experts Rida Lyammouri and Niccola Milnes, the report documents over 30 confirmed drone attacks—82% of which occurred since March 2025—targeting military forces in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, with indications of expansion into Niger and Benin.
Notable incidents include deadly strikes in Boulkessi (Mali), Eknewane (Niger), and northern Togo, claiming dozens of soldiers’ lives.
JNIM reportedly uses modified commercial drones equipped with explosive payloads and AI-based navigation to evade detection.
These drone attacks, often recorded and shared online, amplify psychological pressure on security forces, which remain ill-equipped to respond.
The report urges a coordinated regional response, including the creation of a joint counter-drone task force and investment in jammers, decoys, and tactical troop training.
In response to the growing threat, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—now aligned under the Confederation of Sahel States—have announced plans to deploy a 5,000-strong joint force and are already operating armed drones from Turkish manufacturer Baykar.
