The Malian army announced Thursday that it had eliminated around a dozen members of an armed group during a military operation in the northern Kidal region, an area that has experienced persistent violence and insecurity for over a decade.
According to a statement released by the army late Thursday, the operation took place west of Telabit following a period of surveillance and confirmation. Once the group’s presence was verified, soldiers launched a targeted strike, resulting in multiple casualties and the destruction of a pickup truck used by the group.
Northern Mali has remained unstable since 2012, when the region descended into crisis due to overlapping conflicts involving separatist movements, armed factions, and communal tensions. The ongoing violence has led to significant loss of life and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
Despite repeated military campaigns and regional support, the situation remains fragile. Thursday’s operation highlights the continuing efforts by Malian forces to push back against armed groups and restore a measure of control in the country’s restive northern regions.