Mali Under Siege: Insurgents Target Police Academy, Airport

Mali Insurgents Strike Police Academy, Airport

“This attack is also way more ambitious than the previous attacks back in the second half of the 2010s...”

Insurgents strike Wagner's base at Mali airport, threatening regional security.

The security situation in Mali remains volatile after insurgents launched a coordinated attack on an elite police training academy and other strategic locations on September 17. This brazen assault resulted in casualties among trainees, a security breach at the airport, and the destruction of the presidential jet.

Analysts and diplomats view this incident as a significant blow to the ruling junta, prompting swift condemnations from both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union (EU). The attack underscores the persistent instability in the region, which has been plagued by extremist violence and political unrest.

Malian authorities have confirmed fatalities but have yet to release an official death toll. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and promote regional stability. The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting Mali's transition to constitutional order and ensuring the protection of civilians.

Key Concerns:

Security Situation: Volatile and unpredictable, with escalating extremist attacks

Humanitarian Impact: Casualties, displacement, and destruction of critical infrastructure

International Response: Condemnations from ECOWAS and EU, calls for cooperation and stability

Flights have resumed at Bamako's main airport, Modibo Keita International Airport, after a brief halt due to violence on September 17. The airport reopened on Wednesday, September 18, in the morning, indicating a return to normal operations.

The violence was attributed to Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al Qaeda affiliate, which claimed responsibility for the attack. According to JNIM, hundreds of enemy soldiers were killed or wounded, and six military aircraft, including a drone, were destroyed. Additionally, four other aircraft suffered partial damage.

For travelers, Modibo Keita International Airport offers various facilities and services, including shops, restaurants, banks, currency exchange, and VIP lounges. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 catering to domestic flights and Terminal 2 serving international flights.

If you're planning to travel to Bamako, keep in mind that flight schedules and routes may vary. It's essential to check with your airline for updates or changes to your flight itinerary. Airlines operating from Modibo Keita International Airport include Air France, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Kenyan Airways.

The recent attack in Mali was particularly symbolic, occurring on the 64th anniversary of the country's gendarmerie and just days after junta leader Assimi Goita claimed that his army had significantly weakened terrorist groups. This bold statement was made on September 18, coinciding with the anniversary of Mali's security and political alliance with neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, also led by juntas.

The timing of the attack didn't go unnoticed, with the United Nations pointing out its symbolic significance, suggesting that the target was carefully planned in advance. The UN described the incident as a strong show of force by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), a militant Islamist group affiliated with al-Qaeda. This attack underscores the ongoing instability in Mali, where militant Islamist groups have been escalating violence since the military junta took power in August 2020.

It's worth noting that JNIM has been behind several attacks in the region, including in Mali's southern and central areas. The group's aggressive push has exposed Bamako's vulnerability, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the junta's ability to effectively counter the terrorist threat.

Mali's army and their Wagner Group allies suffered a crushing defeat in July at the hands of Tuareg rebels in Tinzawaten, a strategic northern outpost. The battle, which began on July 22, was part of a larger operation to root out rebel forces from strongholds like Inafarak and Tinzaouten. Reports vary, but it's estimated that the Wagner Group lost at least 25 soldiers, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Russian personnel in Africa since 2017. 

This loss was also the Wagner Group's most significant setback in Mali since their deployment in 2021. The clash highlighted the ongoing instability in the region and raised concerns about the effectiveness of Mali's military and its Russian-backed allie.

An anonymous diplomat in Bamako said, “in my personal opinion, this is seriously impacting their credibility on the security front.

“We'll see how the population reacts to these events.

“Either they will support the regime against the jihadists or start wondering if they have the right protection they deserve.

Sahel Project Director at International Crisis Group, Jean Herve Jezequel said, “This attack is also way more ambitious than the previous attacks back in the second half of the 2010s.

“It directly targets military objectives in Bamako.

“It seems the jihadists demonstrated capacity to hold the airport for some time, possibly multiple hours which is a huge blow.”

Wagner's base of operations is colocated with Mali's military aviation infrastructure at the airport, which includes drone and warplane deployments.

“Even if it does not ruin all the Malian army's efforts to redeploy these last few years, it is a serious blow that stresses the absolute need for serious adjustments in the Malian counter insurgency strategy,” Jezequel added.