Written by: Qusay Ahmed

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mali announced that, as part of ongoing offensive reconnaissance operations across the country, the Armed Forces carried out precise and successful airstrikes targeting a major weapons and ammunition cache belonging to armed groups described by the authorities as terrorist, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, southeast of the city of Gourma Rharous.

Mali targets armed group camps

In an official statement addressed to the people, the authority said that this military operation came in the context of ongoing efforts to track down armed elements and destroy their infrastructure, noting that the airstrikes targeted a site believed to have been used to store weapons and ammunition and to supply armed groups spread throughout the region.

The statement explained that initial estimates indicate that a number of armed elements were neutralized during the operation, in addition to the complete destruction of the targeted weapons and ammunition cache, which represents a logistical blow to these groups and limits their ability to carry out offensive operations in the region.

The General Staff confirmed that this operation comes within a comprehensive military strategy aimed at strengthening security and stability in the country, and continuing to put pressure on armed groups that are active in several areas within Mali, especially in the southeastern and northern regions that witness frequent movements of these groups.

In the same context, the Chief of Staff of the Malian Armed Forces congratulated the Air Force and the forces participating in the operation, praising what he described as their strong determination and firm commitment to performing the tasks assigned to them, defending the sovereignty of the homeland and protecting the citizens.

The authority confirmed that the armed forces will continue their military operations against armed groups throughout the country, stressing that these operations will not stop until the last strongholds of these groups are eliminated and full security control is restored over all areas.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the military institution will remain committed to its national duty of combating terrorism, securing the country, and working to restore stability, in light of the increasing security challenges facing Mali at the present time.