France says its forces kill 50 Islamic extremists in Mali
4 years, 2 months ago

France says its forces kill 50 Islamic extremists in Mali

Associated Press  

PARIS — French military forces fighting Islamic extremists in West Africa killed more than 50 jihadists and detained four in an operation last week in Mali, French officials said. Defense Minister Florence Parly tweeted Monday night that the French force in the region also confiscated weapons and equipment from the fighters in the operation last Friday, which she said “shows once again that terrorist groups cannot act with impunity.” Drones monitoring the region in northern Mali spotted a convoy of suspected fighters on motorcycles, prompting France to launch the operation, first with airstrikes and then with a ground operation by French commandos, according to an official with the French military headquarters. France, which has suffered repeated deadly Islamic extremist attacks, has thousands of troops in a force called Barkhane in West Africa to help fight extremist groups there. Islamic extremist rebels were forced from power in northern Mali after a 2013 French-led military operation, but regrouped in the desert and now launch frequent attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

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History of this topic

Senegal and Chad say ousting of French troops was their sovereign decision
Trending News
2 days, 6 hours ago

Senegal and Chad say ousting of French troops was their sovereign decision

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — Senegalese and Chadian leaders said that the ousting of French troops from their territories was their sovereign decision, rejecting remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron that suggested otherwise. Macron said Monday at an annual meeting of foreign ambassadors that France had “proposed to the African heads of state to reorganize our presence.” He added, “As we are …

Macron's apology key step towards reconciliation between France and Senegal as Senegal honours victims of 1944 massacre
Trending News
1 month, 1 week ago

Macron's apology key step towards reconciliation between France and Senegal as Senegal honours victims of 1944 massacre

Firstpost  

French troops have been ousted in recent years from Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso after years of fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. Earlier this week, Chad, one of the last countries in the region in which France had maintained a large military presence, ended a military cooperation agreement with Paris Biram Senghor regularly goes to pay his respects at …

600 people shot dead within hours by Al Qaeda in Burkina Faso: Report
3 months ago

600 people shot dead within hours by Al Qaeda in Burkina Faso: Report

Hindustan Times  

Nearly 600 people were killed within a few hours in Burkina Faso by terrorists linked to Al Qaeda, according to a report by France's top intelligence agencies. People with their belongings piled on a makeshift trailer pulled by two donkeys flee their villages amid a terror attack in Burkina Faso. The members of Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an Al-Qaeda affiliate …

At least 100 people killed in central Burkina Faso in latest jihadi attack
4 months, 2 weeks ago

At least 100 people killed in central Burkina Faso in latest jihadi attack

Associated Press  

ABUJA, Nigeria — At least 100 villagers and soldiers were killed in central Burkina Faso during a weekend attack on a village by al-Qaida-linked jihadis, according to videos of the violence analyzed by a regional specialist, who described the assault as one of the deadliest this year in the conflict-battered West African nation. Villagers in the Barsalogho commune, which is …

Dozens killed in attack in Burkina Faso, say sources
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Dozens killed in attack in Burkina Faso, say sources

The Hindu  

Civilians are among the dozens of people killed in an attack by militants in Burkina Faso, local and security sources told AFP on Sunday. A local resident told AFP by phone that the assault happened around 9:00 am on Saturday, when “terrorist groups attacked the village, killing numerous civilians and security personnel”. A second security source said that “the response …

Up to 200 people killed in attack in central Burkina Faso
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Up to 200 people killed in attack in central Burkina Faso

Al Jazeera  

An armed group linked to al-Qaeda, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, has claimed responsibility for what it says was an attack that killed up to 200 people and injured at least 140 in central Burkina Faso. Haque noted that the Burkina Faso army knew on Friday that an attack was going to happen and called on the population to dig trenches. …

Suspected jihadist attack in Mali kills more than 20 civilians
6 months ago

Suspected jihadist attack in Mali kills more than 20 civilians

The Hindu  

An attack blamed on jihadists in central Mali killed more than 20 civilians on July 1, two local officials said, in the latest killings in the troubled Sahel region. "At least 21 civilians have been killed" in the village of Djiguibombo, several dozen kilometres from the town of Bandiagara, an official from the provincial authority said on July 3, speaking …

Mali says it killed extremist commander who took part in one of worst attacks on US forces in Africa
8 months, 1 week ago

Mali says it killed extremist commander who took part in one of worst attacks on US forces in Africa

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A senior Islamic State group …

Attack on Nigerien forces kills 23 soldiers and underscores continued conflict with militants
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Attack on Nigerien forces kills 23 soldiers and underscores continued conflict with militants

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — A militant attack on Nigerien forces in a border region near Mali and Burkina Faso killed 23 soldiers, the defense ministry said Friday. Niger, along with neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, is battling jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in a decade-long conflict in the Sahel region that is worsening. Until recently, Niger …

Mali: Dozens killed as rebels attack army camp, village
1 year ago

Mali: Dozens killed as rebels attack army camp, village

Firstpost  

Millions of people have been displaced and large areas of territory have been taken over by factions associated with the Islamic State and al Qaeda, causing thousands of deaths and spreading the bloodshed throughout the Sahel region south of the Sahara A local official reported that terrorists assaulted a military camp and a community in central Mali on Tuesday, killing …

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure
1 year, 2 months ago

France completes withdrawal of troops from northern base in Niger as part of planned departure

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — France has completed the withdrawal of troops from a northern base in Niger as part of a planned departure from the West African country in the wake of July’s military coup. Nearly 200 troops, 28 trucks and two dozen armored vehicles left the Ouallam military base, which has been handed to Niger, a junta spokesman, Col. Maj. …

New clashes erupt between the Malian military and separatist rebels as a security crisis deepens
1 year, 3 months ago

New clashes erupt between the Malian military and separatist rebels as a security crisis deepens

Associated Press  

BAMAKO, Mali — New fighting erupted between the Malian military and armed rebel groups in an area south of Kidal late Friday, with both sides claiming to control the town of Anefis as night fell. The armed movements, who have long been fighting for an independent state called Azawad, said in a statement that they had shot down an unspecified …

Niger's junta says jihadis kill 29 soldiers as attacks ramp up
1 year, 3 months ago

Niger's junta says jihadis kill 29 soldiers as attacks ramp up

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 29 Nigerien soldiers …

Extremist attack kills at least 12 soldiers in Niger as jihadi violence increases post-coup
1 year, 3 months ago

Extremist attack kills at least 12 soldiers in Niger as jihadi violence increases post-coup

Associated Press  

NIAMEY, Niger — An attack by Islamic extremists in western Niger killed at least a dozen soldiers and wounded seven others, the West African nation’s military junta said. The soldiers were on a mission in the Tillaberi region town of Kandadji when hundreds of jihadis on motorcycles attacked them Thursday, Gen. Salifou Mody, Niger’s defense minister, said in a statement. …

Burkina Faso: More than 50 security forces killed, dozens wounded by jihadis as violence inches closer to capital
1 year, 4 months ago

Burkina Faso: More than 50 security forces killed, dozens wounded by jihadis as violence inches closer to capital

Firstpost  

Several dozen of the Islamic militants also were killed, as part of an operation to try push back the jihadis from Koumbri so that displaced people could return, the army said. Over 50 security forces lost their lives and many others sustained injuries in a fierce clash with jihadists in northern Burkina Faso, the army said. The number of civilians …

More than 50 security forces killed by jihadis in Burkina Faso, as violence inches closer to capital
1 year, 4 months ago

More than 50 security forces killed by jihadis in Burkina Faso, as violence inches closer to capital

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — More than 50 security forces were killed and dozens wounded during intense fighting with jihadis in northern Burkina Faso, the army said Tuesday. Several dozen of the Islamic militants also were killed, as part of an operation to try push back the jihadis from Koumbri so that displaced people could return, the army said. The number of …

How the attempted coup in Niger could expand the reach of extremism, and Wagner, in West Africa
1 year, 5 months ago

How the attempted coup in Niger could expand the reach of extremism, and Wagner, in West Africa

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Until Wednesday’s coup attempt in Niger, the United States' …

Armed groups step up murders, rapes in Mali: HRW
1 year, 5 months ago

Armed groups step up murders, rapes in Mali: HRW

Al Jazeera  

New York-based rights group reports six attacks in the Gao region and two in Menaka between January and June. “Islamist armed groups are brutally attacking civilians and fuelling a massive humanitarian emergency,” said HRW senior Sahel researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi. “Security has deteriorated sharply amid clashes between two armed Islamist groups as they seek to control supply routes and increase their …

Armed groups step up murders, rapes in Mali: HRW
1 year, 5 months ago

Armed groups step up murders, rapes in Mali: HRW

Al Jazeera  

New York-based rights group reports six attacks in the Gao region and two in Menaka between January and June. “Islamist armed groups are brutally attacking civilians and fuelling a massive humanitarian emergency,” said HRW senior Sahel researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi. “Security has deteriorated sharply amid clashes between two armed Islamist groups as they seek to control supply routes and increase their …

Suspected jihadists kill 33 Burkina Faso troops: Army
1 year, 8 months ago

Suspected jihadists kill 33 Burkina Faso troops: Army

India Today  

An attack by suspected jihadists killed 33 soldiers in eastern Burkina Faso on Thursday, the army said. A contingent of troops came across "a complex, large-scale attack" in the east region, which also left 12 soldiers wounded, according to an army statement. READ | 40 killed in attack by suspected jihadists in Burkina Faso Burkina Faso has been grappling with …

Mali: Al-Qaeda affiliate claims responsibility for attack that killed key junta figure
1 year, 8 months ago

Mali: Al-Qaeda affiliate claims responsibility for attack that killed key junta figure

Firstpost  

Mali has been battling a security and political crisis since jihadist and separatist insurgencies broke out in the country’s north in 2012 Jihadists linked with Al-Qaeda have claimed responsibility for an attack this week that killed the chief of staff of Mali’s junta leader, and another ambush, the SITE Intelligence monitoring group said Friday. On Friday, Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal …

Dozens of security force members killed in Burkina Faso
1 year, 8 months ago

Dozens of security force members killed in Burkina Faso

Associated Press  

DAKAR, Senegal — At least 40 members of Burkina Faso’s security forces were killed by gunmen in the northern part of the country, and dozens of others were injured, authorities said Sunday. Six soldiers and 34 volunteer fighters, civilians who assist the military, were killed near the town of Ouahigouya on Saturday afternoon, northern region secretary-general Kouilga Albert Zongo said …

Burkina Faso: Forty-four killed in two attacks by terrorist groups
1 year, 9 months ago

Burkina Faso: Forty-four killed in two attacks by terrorist groups

Firstpost  

Burkina Faso has been caught up in a spiral of violence since 2015, attributed to armed jihadist movements affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Ouagadougou: At least 44 people were killed in two attacks in northern Burkina Faso overnight by unidentified armed assailants on Thursday, authorities said. More than 2 million people are displaced and thousands have been …

Mali: At least five killed by suspected jihadists near capital Bamako
1 year, 9 months ago

Mali: At least five killed by suspected jihadists near capital Bamako

Firstpost  

Mali has been battling a security and political crisis since jihadist and separatist insurgencies broke out in the north in 2012. The security crisis was worsened by the withdrawal of French troops from the country in 2022 At least five people were killed by suspected jihadists at a checkpoint in southern Mali on Thursday, AFP quoted a senior official in …

Deaths from jihadi attack on Burkina Faso army rise to 51
1 year, 10 months ago

Deaths from jihadi attack on Burkina Faso army rise to 51

Associated Press  

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — The death toll from a jihadi attack on a Burkina Faso army unit in the north of the country last week has risen to 51, military officials said Monday, after 43 new bodies were found. Successive governments’ failure to effectively address the problem led to two coups last year, with each military leader vowing to stem …

Burkina Faso's junta chief denies diplomatic split from Paris
1 year, 11 months ago

Burkina Faso's junta chief denies diplomatic split from Paris

Firstpost  

France had special forces based in the capital Ouagadougou, but its presence had come under intense scrutiny as anti-French sentiment in the region grows, with Paris withdrawing its ambassador to Burkina over the junta’s demands Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso’s junta leader said Friday his country had not severed diplomatic ties with France, which he has asked to withdraw its forces, and …

Recent extremist attacks kill 32 people in Burkina Faso
1 year, 11 months ago

Recent extremist attacks kill 32 people in Burkina Faso

Associated Press  

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Multiple jihadi attacks across Burkina Faso over several days have resulted in the death of at least 32 people, including soldiers and civilians, government authorities said Tuesday. Burkina Faso’s State Information Agency posted on its Facebook page that a dozen soldiers and a civilian were killed Monday in Falagountou in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region during clashes …

Burkina Faso says 28 soldiers, civilians killed in rebel attacks
1 year, 11 months ago

Burkina Faso says 28 soldiers, civilians killed in rebel attacks

Al Jazeera  

At least 28 people, including soldiers and civilians, have been killed in two attacks by armed assailants in Burkina Faso, a regional governor and the army said in separate statements. The latest killings come as Burkina Faso — and its neighbours in Mali and Niger — battle armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL who have occupied territory in the …

Burkina Faso ends ties with French troops, orders departure
1 year, 11 months ago

Burkina Faso ends ties with French troops, orders departure

Associated Press  

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso’s junta government late Saturday ordered hundreds of French troops to depart the West African country within a month, following in the path of neighboring Mali, whose nation is also headed by a coup leader. The move by Burkina Faso’s regime comes five months after France completed its withdrawal from Mali after nine years fighting …

Burkina Faso demands departure of French troops: Report
1 year, 11 months ago

Burkina Faso demands departure of French troops: Report

Al Jazeera  

Burkina Faso’s military government has ordered French troops stationed in the West African country to leave within a month. The decision, announced by the official Agence d’Information du Burkina on Saturday, is the latest sign of deteriorating relations between France and its former colony since a second military coup in September of last year. “Despite their presence on Burkinabe soil …

11 killed, dozens missing after attack on Burkina Faso convoy
2 years, 3 months ago

11 killed, dozens missing after attack on Burkina Faso convoy

Al Jazeera  

Burkina Faso condemns ‘barbaric, cowardly’ attack after fighters ambush an army-escorted resupply convoy in the Sahel region. Burkina Faso’s government says at least 11 soldiers have been killed and 50 civilians were missing after armed fighters attacked a 150-vehicle military-escorted convoy taking supplies to a northern town. Violence has raged in Burkina Faso since Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba seized power …

Last French troops leave Mali, ending nine-year deployment
2 years, 4 months ago

Last French troops leave Mali, ending nine-year deployment

Al Jazeera  

France announced withdrawal in February as relations with Bamako frayed in wake of military coups in 2020 and 2021. France has said its final troops have left Mali, completing a withdrawal that ends a nine-year operation in the country at the centre of the Sahel region’s spiralling security crisis. “Today at 1pm Paris time the final contingent of the Barkhane …

French military: Last group of soldiers has left Mali
2 years, 4 months ago

French military: Last group of soldiers has left Mali

Associated Press  

NICE, France — The last French army unit left Mali on Monday, according to a statement from the French military, nine years after Paris sent troops to the West African country to help drive Islamic extremists from power. France’s armed forces completed their withdrawal from Mali six months after French President Emmanuel Macron announced his plan to pull out of …

Attacks in central Mali kill 3 civilians, 15 soldiers
2 years, 5 months ago

Attacks in central Mali kill 3 civilians, 15 soldiers

Associated Press  

BAMAKO, Mali — At least three civilians and 15 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks in central Mali, the army said, the latest round of attacks as insecurity worsens in the West African nation. Two attacks Wednesday targeted Mali army positions in the center of the country, and the army fought back killing at least 48 assailants, said army …

Two UN peacekeepers dead, 5 others wounded in Mali attack
2 years, 6 months ago

Two UN peacekeepers dead, 5 others wounded in Mali attack

Al Jazeera  

Malian rebels, some with links to al-Qaeda and ISIL, have gained momentum despite the presence of foreign troops and United Nations peacekeepers. Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and five others severely wounded by an improvised explosive device in northern Mali, the UN peacekeeping mission said. The incident took place between the village of Tessalit and the city of Gao …

Islamic terrorists kill 132 civilians over the weekend in Mali, Africa
2 years, 6 months ago

Islamic terrorists kill 132 civilians over the weekend in Mali, Africa

Op India  

The government of the Republic of Mali in West Africa confirmed on Monday that as many as 132 civilians have been killed in recent attacks by Islamic terrorists in the country. Meanwhile, Moulaye Guindo, the mayor of Bankass told The Associated Press news agency, “Investigators are on the spot today to find out exactly what happened.” The United Nations peacekeeping …

Suspected Jihadists 'Systemically' Slaughter Over 130 People In Western Africa's Mali
2 years, 6 months ago

Suspected Jihadists 'Systemically' Slaughter Over 130 People In Western Africa's Mali

News 18  

Suspected jihadists massacred more than 130 civilians over the weekend in neighbouring central Mali towns, the latest mass killings in the Sahel region. Deteriorating border situation Nearly 600 civilians were killed in Mali in 2021 in violence blamed mainly on jihadists, but also on self-defence militias and armed forces, according to a UN document published in March. The UN has …

France says it has captured Islamic State bigwig in Mali
2 years, 6 months ago

France says it has captured Islamic State bigwig in Mali

Al Jazeera  

Oumeya Ould Albakaye, Islamic State in Greater Sahara’s chief in two provinces of Mali and Burkina Faso was captured in an overnight operation this week. French troops operating at the border between Mali and Niger have arrested a senior figure of the Islamic State in Greater Sahara armed group, authorities in Paris have said. In a statement published on Wednesday, …

Eleven military policemen killed in northern Burkina Faso
2 years, 6 months ago

Eleven military policemen killed in northern Burkina Faso

Al Jazeera  

The landlocked country has now replaced Mali, birthplace of the conflict in the Sahel, as the epicentre of the crisis. Eleven military policemen have been killed in northern Burkina Faso after their post was attacked by armed men, the army has said. The West African country is battling armed groups, some linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL, that are waging a …

Mali government pulls military out of regional G5 Sahel force
2 years, 7 months ago

Mali government pulls military out of regional G5 Sahel force

Al Jazeera  

Since 2012, armed groups have sought to unseat the democratically elected government, which has been overthrown twice in two years by the military. Mali is pulling out of a multinational military force in West Africa’s Sahel region combatting an armed rebellion, the country’s military government has said. The G5 Sahel force, which includes troops from Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and …

15 soldiers, 6 civilians killed in attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso
2 years, 8 months ago

15 soldiers, 6 civilians killed in attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso

Al Jazeera  

Vehicles packed with explosives were driven into three military camps in central Mali before dawn on Sunday Fifteen soldiers and six civilians have been killed in attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso, neighbouring West African countries that are struggling against armed groups. Vehicles packed with explosives were driven into three military camps in central Mali before dawn on Sunday, the …

Burkina Faso: More than 30 killed in attack on town of Arbinda
2 years, 9 months ago

Burkina Faso: More than 30 killed in attack on town of Arbinda

Al Jazeera  

For years, armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL have sought to gain control over parts of the Sahel. Armed fighters have killed at least eight people who were collecting water in a town in northern Burkina Faso, its mayor has said. Monday’s attack took place in Arbinda, in the province of Soum, which has suffered several deadly raids by …

What to make of the French exit from Mali?
2 years, 10 months ago

What to make of the French exit from Mali?

Al Jazeera  

On February 17, France and its European allies announced that they will begin withdrawing their troops from Mali after nearly 10 years. In response, France first suspended its joint military operations with Malian forces and then announced its decision to “draw down” its counterinsurgency campaign in Mali, known as Operation Barkhane. Barkane’s failure and the trouble with foreign military interventions …

France and EU to withdraw troops from Mali, remain in region
2 years, 10 months ago

France and EU to withdraw troops from Mali, remain in region

Associated Press  

PARIS — France announced Thursday that it will no longer have troops in Mali by the summer amid tensions with the country’s ruling military junta, although Paris intends to maintain a military presence in neighboring West African nations. But Malian army spokesman Col. Major Souleymane Dembélé said that despite the presence of French and European forces in Mali, the country …

Uncertainty looms in Mali as France announces troop pullout
2 years, 10 months ago

Uncertainty looms in Mali as France announces troop pullout

Associated Press  

BAMAKO, Mali — France’s announcement Thursday that it will withdraw its troops from Mali was anticipated by many in this West African nation where Malians have protested the presence of soldiers from the former colonial power. He told The Associated Press he heard with regret French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement Thursday that France will withdraw its military from Mali within …

France to pull troops from Mali after decade-long jihadist fight
2 years, 10 months ago

France to pull troops from Mali after decade-long jihadist fight

The Hindu  

France announced on Thursday that it would withdraw its troops from Mali over a breakdown in relations with the country's ruling junta, after nearly 10 years of fighting a jihadist insurgency that still poses a major threat to the West African nation and beyond. Mr. Macron warned that Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group had made the Sahel and the …

Timeline: Nine years of French troops in Mali
2 years, 10 months ago

Timeline: Nine years of French troops in Mali

Al Jazeera  

The relationship between France and its former colony has soured over the years as armed non-state actors grew bolder. France and its European allies are pulling their troops out of Mali after the country’s military rule brought in Russian mercenaries and refused to stick to a calendar to hold elections. As part of the operation, some 3,000 French troops operate …

France hosts talks on Mali, intends to withdraw troops
2 years, 10 months ago

France hosts talks on Mali, intends to withdraw troops

Associated Press  

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron met with African and European leaders Wednesday evening in Paris ahead of an expected announcement of the withdrawal of French troops from Mali. The EU this month imposed sanctions on five senior members of Mali’s transitional government, including Prime Minister Choguel Maiga, accusing them of working to obstruct the country’s transition from military to …

Burkina Faso forces fire tear gas at anti-government protests
2 years, 11 months ago

Burkina Faso forces fire tear gas at anti-government protests

Al Jazeera  

Several hundred people march through downtown Ouagadougou as anger against armed attacks in the country grows. Security forces have fired tear gas at protesters barricading the streets and throwing rocks in Burkina Faso’s capital, as anger grows at the government’s inability to stop armed attacks spreading across the country. Some people were also protesting in solidarity with neighbouring Mali, whose …

French forces leave Mali’s Timbuktu after nearly nine years
3 years ago

French forces leave Mali’s Timbuktu after nearly nine years

Al Jazeera  

French army says ‘will be present in a different way’ as former colonial power draws down its military presence in Mali. French forces have left the city of Timbuktu, the latest sign the former colonial power is scaling down its presence in northern Mali nearly nine years after a military intervention that helped push back fighters that have overrun parts …

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