The Malian Armed Forces have declared a shift in momentum, asserting full control over regions previously targeted by coordinated attacks from the Azawad Liberation Front in the north and the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated faction, active in central and southern Mali.
An official statement from the Malian military detailed ongoing skirmishes near Anifif, located in the northeast—approximately 110 kilometers south of Kidal—following the arrival of additional fighters and military hardware dispatched to reinforce the Azawad Liberation Front.
The announcement emphasized the resilience of Malian troops, stating: “Undeterred by these aggressive maneuvers, our forces engaged with unwavering determination throughout the day, demonstrating exceptional discipline and tactical precision.” The statement reaffirmed the military’s confidence in its ability to safeguard national unity, protect civilian populations, and dismantle hostile forces threatening Mali’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, Mohamed Mouloud Ramadan, had previously claimed operational dominance in Anfif after renewed clashes. He also refuted rumors of the death of the group’s leader, Mbarek Ag Akli, insisting the commander remains actively involved in directing military operations across northern Mali.