Deadly attack in Mali's capital shows new targets for militant groups
Al-Qaeda linked militants hit key spots in Maliʼs capital including military school and airport facilities. Attack specifically aimed at government and its foreign security partners
In a pre-dawn raid this fall militants linked to al-Qaeda launched a well-planned strike in Bamako Mali hitting multiple strategic targets. The attack (which left dozens dead) targeted a military training facility and the cities international airport where Wagner Group mercenaries maintain their base-of-operations
The assault showed careful planning: attackers filmed their operation while they set planes ablaze and hit key infrastructure spots. The militant group made it clear through their actions that both Malis ruling junta and its Russian security partners were in their crosshairs
This attack was our response to the massacres and slaughters committed by this ruling clique and its Russian allies against our Muslim people
The militant group chose targets that would hurt both the government and Wagner Groups operations — making a bold statement about their ability to strike even heavily-protected areas. The attack marks a shift in militant tactics showing they can now hit major urban targets with well-coordinated teams
