Jihadist-Rebel Alliance Seizes 1 Key Mali City, Dealing Regime Its Worst Blow
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Jihadist-Rebel Alliance Seizes 1 Key Mali City, Dealing Regime Its Worst Blow
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Summary
A new jihadist-rebel alliance captured a key northern Malian city, marking what experts call the gravest setback any Malian government has suffered in the conflict.
The advance followed coordinated attacks that also forced Russian mercenaries backing the junta to retreat and came after Mali’s defense minister was assassinated at home.
Analysts say the insurgents are now more powerful and sophisticated than before, building alliances across the country and increasingly using drones.
The reversal deepens the failure of the generals who seized power in 2020 promising to restore security, and some experts say the junta may have to negotiate or risk being toppled.