Mali claims neutralization of 41 terrorists

The Malian armed forces have announced the elimination of 41 terrorists in the central region of the country following the assassination of 53 civilians.

From October 3 to 5, opportunity patrols, supported by air strikes, conducted a combing operation in the area of Tiemaba and Bamada, cercle de Niono, in search of a terrorist group on the move and perpetrator of harassment against civilians. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 31 terrorists, the destruction of 2 bases and logistical plots, as well as all heavy equipment, the army said in a statement.

“On October 4, based on intelligence, the search of the locality of Sofara led to the arrest of 33 suspected terrorists. Ongoing investigations have been able to formally identify 15 terrorists wanted and registered in the databases,” the statement added.

Mali had been plunged into insecurity since 2012, notably because of terrorist attacks and community conflicts, forcing many families to move, despite the deployment of UN forces of the MINUSMA and regional G5 Sahel.