• More than 30 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base in Mali.
• The Al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Over 400 soldiers have reportedly been killed in the region since May.
• Attacks by jihadist groups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are escalating.

On Sunday, a military base in Boulkessi, central Mali, was attacked by the jihadist group Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), resulting in the deaths of over 30 soldiers, according to security sources. This incident marks another severe escalation in the ongoing violence throughout the Sahel region, where more than 400 soldiers have reportedly been killed since May, primarily in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The Malian army, while confirming a tactical retreat, did not provide specific casualty figures.

In addition to the base attack, JNIM has also targeted the city of Timbuktu, with reports of significant gunfire and a car bomb explosion on Monday. The Malian Armed Forces responded swiftly, claiming to have defeated the attackers and seizing weapons and vehicles in the process. While official statements referenced only 13 assailant deaths, JNIM's activity highlights a troubling trend of increasing violence in the area, affecting both military and civilian lives, as described by eyewitness accounts from local residents and authorities.

The series of assaults reflects a broader pattern of instability, as all three countries—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—have seen rising militant activity. Former juntas that took control between 2020 and 2023 have struggled to combat jihadist violence despite their pledges to restore security in the region. Reports indicate that JNIM has been behind multiple recent attacks, underscoring the resilience of these insurgent groups amidst ongoing efforts by military governments to stabilize the area.