Malian troops have killed 21 militants and reestablished control over the Sebabougou area in western Mali following a targeted military operation, according to an official army statement released on Monday.
The army said that a series of precision airstrikes destroyed several militant bases, paving the way for ground forces to secure the area. The operation dealt a heavy blow to armed groups operating in the region, the statement added.
During the sweep, soldiers recovered 21 bodies, alongside dozens of firearms, stockpiles of ammunition, vehicles, and communication equipment abandoned by the retreating fighters.
Military officials confirmed that search operations are ongoing to pursue wounded militants and those who managed to flee. Five Malian soldiers were injured during the clashes but there were no reported fatalities among government forces.
The army emphasized that efforts to track down remaining threats in the region would continue as part of broader operations aimed at strengthening security in Mali’s western territories.