Us military considers strikes against militant group in Mali amid rising threats
The United States is exploring the possibility of expanding its military footprint in Africa by targeting the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Al-Qaïda-linked militant faction operating in Mali. According to insider accounts, the administration under Donald Trump is actively considering airstrikes against the group, four years after France withdrew its forces from the region.
While discussions are ongoing within the White House, no official confirmation has been issued. Sebastian Gorka, a counterterrorism advisor to the National Security Council, is reportedly pushing for military intervention, whereas other officials raise concerns about the feasibility and long-term impact of such an operation. If approved, this would mark the eighth country targeted by US strikes during Trump’s second term.
The White House has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility of military action. However, a senior administration official emphasized the need for North and West African nations to bolster their anti-terrorism capabilities by investing in American-made equipment and services. The same official described the Sahel’s terrorism challenge as a « multinational crisis ».
The JNIM has emerged as one of the most formidable armed groups in West Africa, originating in Mali before expanding its operations into neighboring coastal countries. Observers note that the group’s influence has grown significantly in recent years, fueled by the region’s deteriorating security landscape.
Potential pitfalls: escalation risks, rival factions, and geopolitical tensions
Security analysts warn that a US-led campaign against the JNIM could backfire, particularly if it fails to address the underlying drivers of radicalization. Corinne Dufka, an independent Sahel expert, cautioned that eliminating key leaders might not dismantle the organization but instead push it toward even more extreme measures. « Targeting the JNIM’s leadership could undermine efforts to deradicalize and demobilize one of the world’s most sophisticated jihadist networks, » she stated.
Critics also point to the limited success of past interventions, including France’s decade-long operation in Mali and subsequent five-year deployment of Russian forces. Despite these efforts, jihadist groups continue to gain ground across the region. Some analysts fear that weakening the JNIM could inadvertently benefit its rivals, particularly the Islamic State in the Sahel, which has been vying for influence.
The deliberations also come amid rising tensions between the US and Russia over Africa. Moscow has offered security assistance to several African nations, including Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Central African Republic, though outcomes have been inconsistent. « African governments should take note of Russia’s mixed record in counterterrorism, » remarked a US official.
