CITY, Mali — The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has confirmed the execution of joint airstrikes in Mali in response to a series of attacks by al-Qaeda-linked jihadists and Tuareg separatists.
The strikes followed a significant assault that saw the jihadists and their separatist allies capture the strategic town of Kidal and tragically resulted in the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara.
The AES, which has augmented its joint force from 5,000 to 15,000 troops to counter the escalating insurgency, has also realigned its security partnership from the G5 Sahel to Russia. This strategic shift includes the deployment of Russian ‘Africa Corps’personnel to support the junta’s operations, a development that marks a notable change in Mali’s security landscape.
The recent attacks are being described as the largest on Mali in nearly 15 years, exposing the country’s fragile security situation. Regional authorities have welcomed the AES Unified Force’s swift and decisive response, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
However, the spokesperson for the Malian Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) has advised Burkina Faso and Niger to refrain from involvement in the conflict, highlighting the complexity of the situation. While the Niger government has praised the AES Unified Force’s action as a defense of sovereignty against ‘imperialist’and ‘terrorist’influences, the AES’s decision to shift its security partnership to Russia has raised concerns about the implications for the Sahel region.
As reported, Russia has been engaged in under — the-radar military operations in Africa, and the involvement of Russian security forces in Mali’s conflict has added a new layer of complexity to the situation.
The regional implications of the AES’s actions are significant.
The G5 Sahel, which was formed to combat jihadist groups in the region, has faced criticism for its effectiveness, leading to the AES’s decision to seek alternative security arrangements. This shift has been further solidified by the signing of a defense cooperation memorandum between the AES countries and Russia.
As Mali grapples with the aftermath of the coordinated attacks and the AES’s military response, the situation remains tense and unpredictable.
The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with concerns about the potential for the conflict to further destabilize the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
