Malian Army Says Dozens of Militants Killed in Airstrikes in Segou Region

Mali’s armed forces say they have killed about twenty suspected militants during coordinated airstrikes in the central part of the country, as military authorities continue operations against armed groups.

In a statement released by the army’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the strikes were carried out on 17 February 2026 in the Ké-Macina area of the Segou region. The military said the operation targeted armed groups believed to be preparing an attack.

According to the statement, the airstrikes destroyed enemy logistics and neutralized roughly twenty assailants before they could launch an assault on a military convoy. The army said the operation was made possible by intelligence and early detection of the planned attack.

The Chief of the General Staff, General Oumar Diarra, commended the troops involved, praising their discipline, professionalism, and commitment during the operation. He said the outcome reflected what he described as the growing operational capacity of Malian forces in the fight against militant groups.

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Central Mali, including the Segou region, has been one of the areas most affected by insurgent activity in recent years. Armed groups linked to extremist networks have carried out attacks on military targets, convoys, and rural communities, contributing to prolonged instability in the region.

Military authorities say operations are ongoing and that efforts to track and dismantle armed groups will continue. They insist no part of the country should serve as a safe haven for militant fighters as the army intensifies its campaign across affected regions.

No independent confirmation of the casualty figures has been released, and the statement did not provide details about possible civilian impact or the identities of those killed.

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