The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) say about 30 soldiers were killed and around 60 others wounded during military operations conducted between July 4 and 9 following coordinated attacks on positions in Aguel-Hoc, Anéfis, Gao, Sévaré and the Kéniéroba prison.
Chief of Staff Major General Elisée Jean Dao said the army had “neutralized” more than 1,000 attackers and destroyed 14 armoured vehicles, 24 heavy weapon-mounted vehicles, over 30 tactical vehicles and approximately 300 motorcycles.
However, the military did not clarify how many of those “neutralized” were killed, wounded or captured.
General Dao said the operations were aimed at resupplying troops, breaking the encirclement of military positions and weakening the capabilities of armed groups, adding that government forces had regained control of Anéfis and were continuing clearance operations.
The army attributed the attacks to the Azawad Liberation Front (ALF) and the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), while also alleging that the armed groups received foreign support without naming any country or providing evidence.
