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Jihadist attacks escalate near Bamako
Dozens of vehicles, including fuel tankers and minibuses, were set ablaze approximately 45 kilometers west of Mali's capital, Bamako, as al-Qaeda-affiliated militants intensify their blockade of the city, the BBC has confirmed.
Verification of the attack
Footage captured by passing motorists and authenticated by BBC Verify shows charred wreckage along a major road. The videos were cross-referenced with satellite imagery, matching two distinctive roadside buildings. NASA's Firms platform, which tracks heat sources, detected a fire at the same location on Tuesday. No casualties were reported, as drivers were ordered to evacuate before the vehicles were set alight.
Blockade's economic impact
Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the jihadist group behind the blockade, has targeted fuel convoys for over a year, disrupting Mali's supply chains. The landlocked nation relies heavily on fuel imports from coastal neighbors like Senegal and Ivory Coast. Since last year, militants have burned more than 100 fuel trucks and kidnapped drivers, though some shipments have reached Bamako under military escort.
The blockade has triggered shortages and price surges ahead of Eid al-Adha, the Islamic holiday beginning next week. A kilogram of potatoes, previously priced at 350 francs ($0.62), now costs 500 francs ($0.90), according to residents. Livestock markets, a cornerstone of Eid celebrations, are also affected, with sheep sellers reporting fewer animals reaching the capital due to roadblocks.
"Everything in the market has become expensive. People are afraid because [the militants] take the animals."
Sheep seller, BBC Afrique
Government and military response
Mali's military leadership, headed by Gen. Assimi Goïta since a 2020 coup, has struggled to curb the insurgency despite enlisting Russian paramilitary group Africa Corps (formerly Wagner Group). In January, Goïta appointed Brig. Gen. Famouké Camara to lead a special operation against the blockade, yet attacks on convoys persist. Russian attack helicopters have been filmed escorting fuel and cargo trucks into Bamako, though analysts note the publicity campaign aims to counter criticism of Africa Corps' limited success.
The Kremlin has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Mali's fight against "extremism and terrorism."
Broader security crisis
The junta initially gained public support by vowing to restore security amid a separatist rebellion in northern Mali, later hijacked by Islamist groups like JNIM. However, large swaths of the north and east remain ungovernable. Last month, coordinated attacks by Tuareg separatists and JNIM killed Defense Minister Sadio Camara in a suspected suicide bombing near Bamako.
Residents report heightened risks during the Eid holiday, with many opting to stay in the capital rather than travel to villages.
"Travelling would put your life at risk, as well as that of your family. I've decided to stay and celebrate in Bamako."
Moussa, Bamako resident
Expert analysis
Analysts say the blockade is designed to cripple Mali's economy and undermine the junta's legitimacy. While recent efforts by Africa Corps have eased some supply constraints, the latest attacks signal the militants' determination to maintain pressure on the capital.
