The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) have declared a renewed upper hand in critical battlefronts, successfully reclaiming control over areas previously targeted by coordinated offensives from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) in the north and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, in central and southern regions.

In an official statement, FAMA detailed intense clashes that persisted through Sunday in Anifif, located in the northeastern sector of Mali, roughly 110 kilometers south of Kidal. The military highlighted the arrival of additional fighters and weaponry to bolster the FLA’s position, prompting a vigorous response from Malian troops.

The army’s communiqué emphasized the resilience of its forces, stating, « In the face of these calculated attempts to destabilize, our units engaged with unwavering determination, sustaining combat operations throughout the day with exceptional discipline and resolve. » It further underscored its « absolute confidence in the ability of the Malian Armed Forces to safeguard national unity, protect civilian lives, and decisively defeat hostile factions. »

The FLA’s spokesperson, Mohamed Mouloud Ramadan, had earlier claimed control over Anifif following the resumption of hostilities, asserting the group’s dominance in the area. However, the army’s announcement directly contradicts these assertions, reinforcing its position of authority.

Ramadan also refuted rumors surrounding the death of the FLA’s leader, Mbarek Ag Akli, affirming that the commander remains actively involved in directing military operations across northern Mali.