Armed men intercepted a transport convoy Saturday in the Faya classified forest area along the Bamako–Ségou corridor. Witnesses report militants forced passengers from their vehicles before torching at least seven buses.

civilian casualties reported

Gunfire erupted when drivers hesitated to comply, leaving several wounded and deepening fears over road safety in the region.

militant blockade enters fourth week

Since April 30, factions tied to the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaïda affiliate, have enforced a road blockade around Bamako. The tightening siege follows coordinated assaults across Mali late last month.

eid al-adha supply crisis looms

With Tabaski approaching, the blockade is crippling livestock shipments into the capital. Traders report additional trucks carrying sheep were burned in recent weeks, worsening shortages and driving up prices.