linked jihadists expose fragile security

On a Tuesday morning, al-Qaeda-linked fighters launched a brazen assault on the international airport complex near Bamako, Mali's capital, highlighting the country's fragile security situation. The attack, which also targeted a gendarmerie training center, resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of at least 60 to 100 fatalities and over 200 injuries. This incident underscores the increasing boldness of jihadist groups in Mali, which have previously focused their activities in the northern regions. The junta, led by Col Goïta, has faced criticism for its inability to secure key locations, despite having previously asserted control over the political landscape following a coup in May 2021. The recent attack follows a series of smaller assaults in July 2022, indicating a troubling trend of escalating violence and the insurgents' capacity to strike deep into the capital. The junta's confidence has been shaken, yet it has not significantly altered its political agenda. In the broader context, the security situation in the Sahel region remains precarious, with groups like Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) expanding their influence. The Malian government has attempted to regain control over northern territories previously held by Tuareg separatists, but the ongoing violence complicates these efforts. The recent attacks may challenge the junta's self-assuredness, especially following the withdrawal of French troops and the push to dismantle the United Nations peacekeeping force. As the situation evolves, the junta's ability to maintain stability and control will be tested against the backdrop of persistent jihadist threats.