JNIM denies reports of death of second-in-command in central Mali airstrike
The Support for Islam and Muslims Group (JNIM), a prominent militant organization operating in the Sahel region, has firmly dismissed circulating claims about the death of its deputy leader, Sidna Ag Hita, in a recent airstrike. These unverified reports emerged shortly after the Africa Legion announced targeting a militant camp near Diabali, central Mali, in the early hours of May 27.
According to insiders within the group, Ag Hita remains alive and in good health. They emphasized that no credible evidence supports the claims of his demise, adding that JNIM has not issued any statement confirming his death or injury. A spokesperson for the group stated, “These rumors lack any factual basis and are entirely baseless.”
The Africa Legion, part of regional security operations, had asserted in an official statement that intelligence indicated Ag Hita’s presence at the targeted camp during the operation. However, the group’s claim has since been contradicted by the militant organization itself.
The incident underscores the challenges of verifying battlefield reports in the volatile Mali conflict zone, where misinformation often circulates alongside military operations.
