The Malian Armed Forces have declared that they have regained the upper hand and secured all targeted areas following coordinated attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front in the north and the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, in central and southern regions.
According to an official statement, fierce clashes persisted on Sunday in Anifif, located in the northeastern part of Mali, roughly 110 kilometers south of Kidal. The fighting resumed after additional reinforcements—both in personnel and equipment—were deployed to strengthen the Azawad Liberation Front’s positions.
The Malian military’s statement emphasized their unwavering commitment: “Confronted with these pressure tactics, our units engaged with relentless determination and precision, sustaining combat operations throughout the day with unshaken discipline and courage.”
Reaffirming their resolve, the statement expressed full confidence in the Malian Armed Forces’ ability to safeguard national unity, protect civilian lives, and decisively defeat hostile factions threatening the country’s stability.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, Mohamed Mouloud Ramadan, had earlier claimed control over Anfif following the resumption of hostilities. He also dismissed reports of the death of the front’s leader, Mbarek Ag Akli, asserting that the commander remains actively involved in directing military operations across northern Mali.
