Kwala attack | |||||||
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Part of Mali War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
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Strength | |||||||
Unknown | 100+ fighters | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
30-32 killed (per RFI and JNIM) Several dozen wounded (per RFI) 2 hostages | Unknown |
On February 28, 2024, jihadists from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin attacked the Malian military camp in Kwala, a village near Mourdiah, Mali. The attack was the first suicide car bombing by the group since 2022, and was part of a campaign by JNIM to expand influence in Koulikoro Region. Over thirty Malian soldiers were killed in the attack.
Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, al-Qaeda's affiliate in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has had a presence in the Wagadou Forest on the Malian-Mauritanian border since the late 2000s. [1] The group has attacked Malian forces in towns and bases surrounding the forest throughout the Mali War and before, with a notable attack in the district capital of Nara in 2015. [2] Since late 2023, JNIM has intensified its attacks on Malian forces on areas surrounding the forest, mainly attempting to cut off communication along National Road 4. [2] In October 2023, the group claimed to have captured a Malian and Wagner Group base on the road, and JNIM launched suicide bombers on motorcycles on Malian and Wagner forces on the road in December 2023. [2]
The attack began early on the morning of February 28 with a suicide bomber in a car exploding at the entrance to the Malian base. [3] Over a hundred jihadists raided the base after the bombing, seizing the camp and overrunning the Malian forces stationed there. [3] JNIM looted weapons, ammunition, and equipment, destroying what they couldn't take away. [3] Malian forces regained control of the base after the jihadists had abandoned it. [3]
Malian officials confirmed the attack in a press release that same day, and stated that Malian forces set out in pursuit of the jihadists and that JNIM bases were located and destroyed near Fallou. [3] AFP stated that due to the remoteness of the area around Kwala, details by JNIM and Malian officials were difficult to independently corroborate. [3]
The suicide vehicle bombing utilized by JNIM in the attack was the first of its kind in the country since July 2022. [2] The attack as a whole was a continuation of JNIM's campaign to expand influence in Koulikoro Region and break down Malian presence on National Road 4. [2]
The Malian army did not report any casualties from the attack, with AFP noting that Malian officials no longer report casualties in attacks any more. [3] RFI, citing local medical and civilian sources, stated that between thirty and thirty-two Malian soldiers were killed. Several dozen soldiers were wounded or missing as well. [4] JNIM corroborated these numbers, stating that over thirty Malian soldiers were killed. On March 4, JNIM released images of two Malian prisoners of war. [5]