Malian Army Kills 40 Militants, Frees 12 Hostages in Kayes Operation

West Africa WeeklyMarch 24, 20261 Mins read12

Mali’s armed forces say they have killed around 40 suspected jihadist fighters, including a senior commander, and rescued 12 hostages during a military operation in the western part of the country.

According to a statement released by the army high command and reported by the African Press Agency, the operation took place in the Kayes region near Mali’s border areas, a zone that has seen repeated militant activity in recent months. The offensive, named Operation Dougoukoloko, is part of a broader military campaign following earlier operations conducted in Ambidedi and Diboli.

Military officials said troops targeted positions believed to be used by armed groups operating in the region. During the operation, soldiers discovered and destroyed several hideouts, including two sites described as major bases located in Medina-Kayes. The army said the facilities had been used for planning attacks and coordinating movements across the border areas.

The Malian military also reported seizing a large cache of equipment during the offensive. Items recovered include weapons, ammunition, communication devices and what were described as kamikaze drones. More than 3,000 litres of fuel were also found, suggesting the scale of logistical operations maintained by the armed groups.

In addition, troops discovered three vehicles at the sites, including a bus belonging to the transport company SONEF. Authorities said the vehicle would be returned to its owners after the conclusion of military procedures.

The army confirmed that 12 hostages were freed during the operation. They were immediately transported to medical facilities for examination before being reunited with their families. Officials did not provide details on how long the individuals had been held or the circumstances of their abduction.

Operation Dougoukoloko forms part of Mali’s ongoing efforts to combat insurgent groups that have been active across the country, particularly in border regions. The military has intensified operations in recent months as it seeks to regain control of key areas and disrupt the activities of armed groups.

While authorities have described the latest operation as a success, the security situation in Mali remains fragile, with attacks by militant groups continuing to pose a significant challenge in several parts of the country.