Africa-Press. The Russian “African Legion” stated that its members and the Malian army have eliminated what they described as terrorists in the Lira region in the north of the country, adding that joint operations continue in various areas, in addition to securing convoy assets and tracking armed groups.
The Malian army had announced the execution of airstrikes on what it termed the strongholds of terrorist groups in different regions of the country over the past few days.
These developments come as the country faces a precarious security situation since the coordinated attacks that occurred on April 25 and 26, targeting strategic sites of the ruling military council, including locations in the capital, Bamako. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 23 people, including Defense Minister Sadio Kamara, following a car bomb explosion targeting his home.
Media reports indicate that the attacks were carried out by both the “Support Group for Islam and Muslims,” affiliated with al-Qaeda, and the separatist “Azawad Liberation Front.”
Following the attacks, the two groups seized control of several areas, including the strategic city of Kidal, located about 1,500 kilometers from the capital Bamako. However, the Malian government later confirmed that it had regained control over several of those areas, including the city of Menaka.
Security Measures
On the ground, a field report from Baba Ould Harma in the capital Bamako outlines the nature of the scene there, as caution and vigilance continue to overshadow the daily lives of citizens. The report reveals that the city recalls the recent weeks of attacks and seeks to dispel the fears left regarding stability.
Malian authorities have implemented strict security measures following these attacks near vital points such as television, radio, and the airport. Additionally, civilian access to 40 forest areas, some located around the capital Bamako, has been prohibited.
The measures also include restrictions on the movement of certain motorcycles outside urban areas in the country. According to authorities, these steps aim to reassure the residents of the capital amid increasing threats from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda against Bamako and its supply chains.
According to the report, these political tensions have cast a shadow over economic and living conditions, placing additional burdens on the population that have been escalating for years.
