Malian forces claim to have “neutralised” jihadist leader

Mali’s fight against terrorism has intensified amid reports that the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) “neutralised” a jihadist leader, according to RFI and agencies on June 15th.

According to a June 14th statement, FAMA claimed responsibility for the “neutralisation” of a jihadist leader “identified by the aliases Oumar Kéréna, Farouk, and Housseini Mawdo.”

FAMA confirmed the leader was killed in a drone strike on June 3rd near Djenné, which is situated in central Mali.

The leader’s civilian name was not mentioned, although FAMA asserts he was a key “coordinator” of the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM.

JNIM is behind the fuel blockade Mali has experienced since September 2025; the group operates in northern and central Mali, and announced a renewed blockade on Bamako on April 28th.

Following coordinated attacks by JNIM and the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) on April 25th, FAMA and its Russian auxiliaries have increased operations in northern and central Mali.

Kidal, a Tuareg stronghold, was recaptured by FLA rebels on April 25th; the attacks also killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara at his residence in Kati.

On June 6th, Mali’s junta offered a $3.5 million reward for anyone capable of delivering information leading to the arrest or killing of JNIM leader Iyad Ag Ghaly.

Ghaly, a former Malian diplomat and Tuareg rebel, is one of several JNIM leaders wanted by juntas across the Sahel; he is also wanted by the US and International Criminal Court.

Since seizing power in 2021, Mali’s junta has increasingly relied on Russian mercenaries to counter jihadist insurgencies and Tuareg separatists.

However, Malian and Russian forces have faced allegations of complicity in human rights abuses.

Both FAMA and the Russian Africa Corps, which previously operated under the Wagner Group name, have been implicated in sexual violence and executions.

On June 5th, Malian authorities announced the creation of closed “military zones” in around 40 forests suspected of harbouring jihadists; anyone found in the off-limits areas will be treated by FAMA as a legitimate target.

Since June 3rd, Malian authorities have banned motorcycles with an engine capacity over 125 cm3 outside of major cities, like Bamako, citing security concerns as JNIM often uses motorcycles in their attacks.

Maghrebi contacted the Malian Prime Minister’s Office for comment on the June 3rd “neutralisation”, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

RFI and agencies, Maghrebi.org