Bamako, June 3 (UNI) Fourteen terrorists were killed in the northern Malian city of Timbuktu on Monday after a failed attempt by terrorist fighters to infiltrate a military camp, according to a statement issued by the Malian Armed Forces.
The statement said the infiltration attempt occurred around 10 a.m. local time (GMT+0), and that "the terrorists were swiftly repelled by the prompt response of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa)."
"A provisional toll shows 14 terrorists killed, 31 suspected terrorists arrested, and weapons, vehicles, and various materials recovered," the statement added.
The attempted infiltration came a day after a deadly attack on a military base in Boulkessi, located in the central region of Douentza. Local witnesses described it as "a true carnage," with at least 30 Malian soldiers reportedly killed. The attack was claimed on social media by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM/JNIM).
In a separate statement on Sunday, FAMa confirmed the assault on the Boulkessi camp, stating only that it "responded vigorously before withdrawing," without providing further details or casualties.
Over the past week, several military camps across central and northern Mali have come under attack, with GSIM/JNIM claiming responsibility. The assaults have resulted in heavy casualties and significant loss of military equipment. In many cases, the targeted camps were completely burned and numerous soldiers killed.
Since 2012, Mali has been grappling with a deep and multifaceted crisis caused by separatist insurgencies, jihadist incursions and intercommunal violence, which have killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others.
UNI XINHUA GNK