How Many Terrorists Were Killed in Military Operations in Mali?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 70 terrorists were killed in military operations.
- Operations were conducted in northern and central Mali.
- Mali faces ongoing security challenges since 2012.
- Previous operations resulted in the death of over 80 terrorists.
- Significant caches of weapons were seized during operations.
Bamako, July 20 (NationPress) The Malian army reported on Sunday that at least 70 terrorists were neutralized during military operations conducted earlier this week in northern and central Mali.
The first operation was executed on July 15 in collaboration with air forces from the Alliance of Sahel States, resulting in the elimination of approximately 40 terrorists in the Anderamboukan region in the north.
The second operation, which occurred two days later, led to the dismantling of a terrorist logistics and training hub in the Niono area of central Mali, resulting in the deaths of around 30 terrorists, as stated by the Xinhua news agency.
Mali has been grappling with a complex crisis since 2012, characterized by separatist uprisings, jihadist attacks, and intercommunal conflicts, which have resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
Earlier this month, over 80 terrorists were killed in assaults on various localities in central and western Mali.
In the early hours of July 1, armed terrorist factions launched coordinated assaults on Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) positions in the western region, targeting towns such as Kayes, Nioro, Sandare, Gogui, and Diboli, as reported by FAMaTV, the military's television outlet, citing the Armed Forces' Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIRPA).
Souleymane Dembele, head of DIRPA, stated, "The adversaries of peace initially targeted civilians and multiple defense and security positions. We faced simultaneous and coordinated assaults supported by sponsors whose involvement was confirmed during today’s operations."
"The enemy incurred significant losses wherever it attempted to engage the FDS. The preliminary assessment indicates that over 80 terrorists were killed, with a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, and vehicles seized," he added.
The attacks coincided with the recent elimination of several local militant leaders and the surrender of about 10 fighters from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara in the northern region of the country.