U.S. Weighs Airstrikes Against Terror Groups in Mali
JOHANNESBURG: The United States is reportedly looking into the possibility of launching airstrikes against al Qaeda-affiliated militants in Mali, according to experts and recent media coverage.
The military government in Mali, which took control after coups in 2020 and 2021, has shifted its alliances from traditional partners like France and the U.S. to Russia, seeking military support against extremist groups.
Among these groups, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has gained significant power. They have laid siege to the capital, Bamako, and are linked to the deaths of 50 Malian soldiers this month and the country’s defense minister earlier in the year. Reports indicate that they have successfully pushed back Russian troops multiple times.
If JNIM succeeds in establishing an Islamist state, it would be the first country in the world under the control of a jihadist group. The U.S. officially labeled the organization as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2018 during the Trump administration.
In addition to JNIM, ISIS groups are also active in Mali and are connected with terror organizations in neighboring Nigeria.
While a State Department representative did not directly address reports of potential U.S. strikes, they did express strong condemnation of the ongoing terrorist violence in Mali. The official stated, “The United States is dedicated to fostering regional cooperation against terrorist threats, while keeping an eye on threats to our homeland.”
Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former diplomat with the U.N., noted that U.S. military action could aim to prevent jihadists from rooting themselves further in Mali. He stressed the importance of Mali as it risks becoming a sanctuary for terrorist groups.
Retired U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth P. Ekman, who previously led the Department of War’s West Africa Coordination Element, suggested that targeted strikes could encourage Mali’s leaders to reconsider their ties with Russia and turn back to the U.S. for military assistance.
Mali is notably resource-rich, being one of Africa’s top gold producers and possessing significant lithium deposits.
Fitton-Brown mentioned that if the leaders in Mali and nearby countries lose faith in their Russian partners, they might be more open to collaborating with the U.S.
Ekman further pointed out that U.S. support has been crucial in past operations against JNIM. He emphasized that the U.S. can offer effective partnerships to combat the growing threats in the region.
Experts believe that even though airstrikes could be considered, they may not necessarily involve direct action from U.S. forces. Instead, collaboration with intelligence services from France and other allies could help identify key targets.
While the U.S. has military assets available, including cruise missiles and bombers, current naval operations do not show American aircraft carriers in proximity to Africa, which complicates potential military actions.
However, airstrikes against JNIM and ISIS could certainly be on the table, as these groups pose a growing threat to U.S. interests in West Africa.
