The Malian Armed Forces have declared a decisive shift in momentum, asserting full operational control across previously contested territories targeted by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad in the north and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims in central and southern regions.
Battlefield updates from Anifif and beyond
In a statement issued today, the Malian military detailed ongoing engagements near Anifif, a strategic location in the northeast approximately 110 kilometers south of Kidal. The area has seen intensified clashes following the arrival of fresh reinforcements to the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad.
The official communiqué highlighted the resilience of Malian troops, stating: “Confronted with coordinated assaults, our armed forces responded with unwavering resolve, sustaining continuous combat operations throughout the day with professionalism and courage.”
Commitment to national sovereignty
The announcement reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ confidence in their ability to safeguard Mali’s territorial integrity, protect civilian populations, and decisively defeat hostile forces operating within the country’s borders.
Claims and counterclaims on the ground
A spokesperson for the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, Mohamed Mouloud Ramadan, had previously asserted control over Anfif following the resumption of hostilities, though Malian military sources maintain their operational dominance in the region.
The statement also dismissed rumors regarding the death of the group’s leader, Mbarek Ag Akli, clarifying that he remains actively engaged in directing military operations across northern Mali.