Islamist Armed Group on the Verge of Capturing Mali’s Capital

Darwin, 03 November-

An Islamist armed group linked to al-Qaeda is reportedly on the verge of capturing Bamako, the capital of Mali.

According to CNN, Mali’s military junta and Russian forces are struggling to stop the advance of the group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). The militants now control most parts of the country.

Fuel shortages have already hit the capital, Bamako, as the armed group has blocked roads leading to the city. They have attacked military patrols and fuel tankers.

Due to the worsening situation, countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany have advised their citizens to leave Bamako. Last Thursday, the UK issued a warning telling its citizens: “If conditions appear stable, leave Mali immediately by air.” The US has also urged its citizens to evacuate for safety.

Recent videos show long queues of motorcyclists and other drivers at gas stations in Bamako trying to buy fuel. Residents have accused the police of hoarding supplies. Due to the fuel crisis, schools and colleges in the capital have been shut down.

Over the past two months, the armed group has intensified attacks on fuel supply routes. They have repeatedly ambushed fuel tankers coming from Ivory Coast and Senegal.

In mid-September, the group’s fighters attacked a convoy of about 100 tankers, setting more than half of them on fire.

The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) reported that JNIM fighters have seized large quantities of weapons from government forces and are now capable of operating modern drones.

Terrorism analyst Daniel Garofalo told CNN that JNIM has changed its tactics: instead of directly attacking infrastructure, they are now waging an economic war—blocking roads, extorting or taxing locals, and cutting off fuel supplies.

Last month, JNIM spokesperson Abu Hudaifa al-Bambari released a video message urging civilians to support them and to avoid traveling with military convoys.

Government forces have launched helicopter attacks targeting the militants, but with fuel supplies cut off, Mali’s army has limited operational capacity.

Source: CNN