Over 200 terrorists neutralised in northern Mali: Army

Bamako, July 7 (IANS) The Malian army said on Tuesday that more than 200 terrorists were neutralised during coordinated air and ground operations carried out in Anefis in the country’s northern Kidal region.

According to a statement issued by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Monday’s operations involved 35 airstrikes. The provisional toll also included five armoured vehicles, around 20 pickup trucks and about 100 motorcycles destroyed, Xinhua news agency reported.

The army said operations by the Malian Armed Forces and their partners were continuing in Anefis, reaffirming its determination to pursue actions against armed terrorist groups until the set objectives are achieved.

The operations came after attacks on July 4 targeting several localities in Mali, including Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare and Kenioroba. The Malian army said at the time that it had repelled the attacks.

Mali has faced a volatile security situation for years, with attacks by armed groups occurring frequently, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.

In April, the country’s Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his residence in the town of Kati, near Bamako, carried out by armed terrorist groups.

The African Union (AU) has condemned Saturday’s coordinated armed attacks that targeted several localities in Mali.

The AU, in a press statement issued Sunday, said that Chairperson of the AU Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf “strongly condemns the coordinated terrorist attacks carried out on Saturday against several localities in northern, central, and southern Mali.”

“These attacks are a stark reminder that terrorism and violent extremism continue to pose a serious threat to Mali, the Sahel, and the African continent as a whole,” Youssouf said.

He stressed that the coordinated attacks underscore the need to strengthen collective efforts to advance peace, security, and stability while maintaining constant attention to the protection of civilians.

He reaffirmed the 55-member continental organisation’s “unwavering commitment” to supporting the efforts of the Malian authorities, as well as regional and continental initiatives aimed at combating terrorism and promoting lasting peace and stability in Mali and across the Sahel.

–IANS

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