JNIM Spokesman Declares Total Siege on Bamako, Warns Civilians
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BAMAKO, Mali — A spokesman for the Al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) announced on Monday the commencement of a total siege against Bamako, the capital of Mali, and issued a stark warning to civilians against intervening in the conflict between the militant group and the national army.
Abu Hudheifah al-Bambari, speaking in an audio message released late Monday, stated that the group has initiated a comprehensive encirclement of the city. The declaration marks a significant escalation in the ongoing insurgency in the Sahel region, where JNIM has long contested government control.
"We have begun the total siege of Bamako," al-Bambari said in the recording. "We call upon the people not to stand between us and the army. Those who oppose us will be targeted alongside the military forces."
The announcement comes amid heightened security tensions in the Malian capital. While government officials have not yet confirmed the extent of the siege, security forces have reportedly increased patrols in key districts. The Malian military has not issued a public statement addressing the specific claims made by the JNIM spokesman.
JNIM, which operates across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has been designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations and Western governments. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on military outposts, government buildings, and civilian targets in the region over the past decade.
The threat to Bamako represents a shift in the group's operational focus. Previous attacks have primarily targeted rural areas and military bases outside the capital. The declaration of a siege on the city suggests an attempt to exert direct pressure on the central government and disrupt daily life in the nation's political and economic hub.
Local residents in Bamako expressed concern over the announcement. Some markets and public spaces have seen reduced activity as uncertainty grows. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
International partners of Mali, including France and the United States, have maintained a military presence in the region to combat extremist groups. However, the scope of their involvement remains limited following recent political changes in Mali.
The situation remains fluid. It is unclear whether the siege involves active combat within the city or a strategic blockade. Security experts are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the group's ability to sustain a siege on a major urban center would require significant logistical support.
As of Monday afternoon, no major incidents have been reported in Bamako linked to the siege declaration. The Malian government is expected to address the situation in the coming days. The international community is watching closely for developments that could impact regional stability.