Al-Qaeda Attacks Airports, Army Positions In Mali (Video)
Az-Zallaqa Institution, the media arm of the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin reported an attack by the use of four suicide vehicles on the airport and military base of Gao city in northeastern Mali.
According to this report, elements of the Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) detonated one of the suicide vehicles near the airport gate, another one near the Runway, and the third vehicle among the military gathering, while the fourth vehicle exploded among the Wagner Group’s forces on Friday (September 8, 2023).
Following these explosions, the JNIM militants engaged in clashes with both forces of the Malian army and Wagner Group for a day, resulting in the deaths of tens of Malian and Wagner forces, as well as the destruction of a significant part of the airport, an unknown number of airplanes, and dozens of vehicles.
The Malian government also issued a statement, confirming the explosion of two suicide vehicles in Gao city on Friday. According to the official government statement, in these attacks, 64 people, including 49 civilians and 15 military personnel, lost their lives.
In response to the heavy casualties from this crime, the government declared three days of national mourning. The Malian government also announced that in retaliation for the terrorists’ attack, government forces have killed 50 militants in a ground and air operation.
Also, on September 14 also the Az-Zallaqa Institution announced a mortar attack on Timbuktu airport.
This media also reported on Monday, September 11, a mortar attack on Timbuktu Airport in the center of Mali. This attack caused damages to the airport and suspended the flights.
Az-Zallaqa also published a video of the wreckage of a Mi-8 helicopter allegedly belonging to the Wagner PMC or Malian Army, which was shot down by JNIM elements on September 8 in Segou district. According to Az-Zallaqa, several Wagner PMC forces were killed and wounded.
According to Az-Zallaqa, elements of this group clashed with Wagner PMC forces the next day at the same spot and disabled another helicopter.
It should be noted that recently, local sources reported the siege of Timbuktu city by the JNIM terrorists. The attacks of Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin are increasing while the international forces present in Mali, known as MINUSMA, are withdrawing their forces from this country at the request of the Mali government.
Read more: Mali War, Friends and Foes + Map
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