The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of a US military intervention in Mali to combat the Group for Supporting Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a coalition affiliated with Al-Qaeda, according to sources.
Sebastian Gorka, the director general charged with combating terrorism at the National Security Council, has been pushing for a military operation against JNIM, citing concerns about its growing threat in West Africa.
A senior administration official declined to confirm or deny reports of a potential strike, but said that the US is encouraging countries in the region to acquire American-made equipment and services to boost their counter-terrorism capabilities.
The official described the terrorist threat in the Sahel as a transnational menace and called on regional partners and NATO allies to support the Alliance for Peaceful States (AES) in its fight against JNIM and other extremist groups.
He also linked the deteriorating security situation in Mali to the failure of Russian cooperation, which he deemed ineffective in combating terrorism.
The Pentagon has remained silent on the issue, while the State Department reaffirmed its condemnation of terrorist activities in Mali.
JNIM has been listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the US since 2018.