Mali’s Military Intensifies Counter-Terrorism Campaign with Airstrikes on Logistical Hubs
In a significant escalation of its counter-terrorism operations, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have conducted a series of precision airstrikes, neutralizing key terrorist infrastructure in the central and northern regions, according to an official military statement.
Strategic Strikes Target Terrorist Lifelines
The operations, carried out on November 25, 2025, under the command of General Oumar Diarra, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, represent a shift towards targeting the logistical and support networks that sustain insurgent groups.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces (DIRPA) confirmed the destruction of three strategic positions:
- A major fuel depot located 19 kilometers north of Sofara in the Mopti region.
- Two operational bases in the Ménaka region, situated 30 km east of Tidermène and 80 km north of Ménaka.
Disrupting the Insurgency’s Engine
Analysts note that the strike on the fuel depot near Sofara is particularly significant. Such depots act as the lifeblood for terrorist groups, enabling the mobility of fighters on motorcycles and in vehicles, and powering the generators for their communication and weapon systems.
“Targeting fuel supplies is a classic counter-insurgency tactic,” explains a regional security consultant. “It doesn’t just kill fighters; it cripples their ability to project power, resupply, and terrorize communities. It forces them into a defensive, logistical crisis.”
The destruction of the two bases in the volatile Ménaka region further disrupts the enemy’s command and control, eliminating safe havens used for planning attacks and storing weapons.
A Sign of a Transforming Malian Military
These coordinated airstrikes signal a continued evolution in the FAMa’s operational capabilities. The success of these missions points to improved intelligence gathering and the effective integration of air power into the national military strategy.
“The professionalism and precision required for such surgical strikes suggest a force that is becoming more technologically adept and strategically sophisticated,” the security consultant added. “This is a marked difference from earlier, more reactive phases of the conflict.”
The Broader Security Context
These operations occur amidst a complex and demanding security environment in Mali. The country’s central and northern regions have long been a hotbed of activity for various jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The FAMa’s proactive campaign, following the withdrawal of international forces, is a central pillar of the ruling junta’s policy of asserting national sovereignty. The military’s public communications, highlighting these victories, are clearly aimed at bolstering domestic morale and demonstrating control over the national territory.
While these strikes represent tactical successes, the long-term challenge remains securing these gains, re-establishing state authority, and providing lasting security for local populations who have endured years of instability.
This report is based on information from an official statement by the Malian Armed Forces as published by Bamada.net.