Gunmen attacked three industrial sites in western Mali over the weekend, kidnapping civilians and causing significant damage, according to local sources. The attacks, which targeted plants in the Kayes region, are believed to be the work of the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate that has been seeking to disrupt the country’s economy.
The JNIM has been imposing a fuel blockade and targeting industrial and mining sites in recent months, in an effort to strangle the economy of the landlocked West African country. The latest attacks, which occurred on Sunday, caused “enormous” damage, according to a Malian security source. The source added that the government had sent reinforcements to the area to prevent further attacks.
Ibrahima Diawara, CEO of a plant that produces calcium carbonate, lime, and plaster near the town of Bafoulabe, reported that his site had suffered “considerable damage.” Two other plants in the same area were also attacked and set on fire, he said. According to Wamaps, a group of West African journalists specializing in security news, nearly 160 terrorists riding motorbikes took part in the attacks, which resulted in the kidnapping of at least three people.
The attacks are the latest in a series of incidents in which the JNIM has targeted industrial sites and foreign companies doing business with the Malian state. In June, the group threatened to attack industries and foreign companies without its “authorization,” and since then, numerous industrial sites have been attacked and several civilians, mostly foreigners, have been kidnapped. The kidnappings have enabled the jihadists to finance their activities through ransom payments.
The JNIM has also imposed a fuel blockade since September, which has had a significant impact on the country’s economy. At the height of the crisis, in October and November, the capital city of Bamako experienced major fuel shortages, paralyzing the city’s economy and leading to power cuts. The Malian government has been working to restore stability and security in the region, but the ongoing attacks and kidnappings pose a significant challenge to its efforts. The situation remains volatile, and the international community is watching with concern as the situation continues to unfold.
