Lagos, Nigeria — The Malian army has escalated its offensive against the town of Kidal, which has been under the control of Tuareg rebels and the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) since their synchronized attacks in late April 2026. Overnight strikes have been reported, with residents hearing at least four explosions, causing material damage to a house near a former market and the governor’s compound.
An officer from the Malian army has indicated that these strikes are targeted and that they will intensify in the coming days.
The strategic town of Kidal, previously an unofficial headquarters of the Tuareg Azawad Liberation Front, has been a focal point for the region’s instability since its capture by the Malian army, with Russian mercenaries’assistance, in late 2023.
The conflict in Mali’s north, involving various armed groups, has seen intermittent conflict and territorial changes over recent years.
The latest coordinated attacks, including those on the capital Bamako and strategic military bases, have brought the region’s volatility into sharp focus.
The strikes in Kidal come amidst a broader military campaign in Mali, where the army, alongside Russian mercenaries, is attempting to reclaim areas lost to the rebels and jihadists.
The strategic importance of Kidal is underscored by its historical role as a center of separatist activity and its recent capture by the Malian army.
The exact details of the military objectives targeted by the Malian army and the implications of these actions for the civilian population and regional stability remain unclear.
The international community’s response to the ongoing conflict in Mali is also yet to be fully understood, especially as the country is currently governed by a military junta and is situated in the Sahel region, a hotspot for jihadist activity.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
