The Malian Armed Forces have lifted the terrorist-held strategic positions in the city of Anefis to a safe zone in the land of Anefis, another step in the country's ongoing fight against armed extremist groups in northern Mali, Malian Armed Forces have announced today.
According to an official military statement, troops have conducted a joint military operation to attack terrorist hideouts and strategic locations in and around Anefis, a key town in the Kidal region. The military said that the operation destroyed several militant bases, recovered weapons and military equipment, and regained control over the area.
The military said the offensive was carefully planned based on intelligence gathered over several weeks. The operation had focused on eliminating terrorist networks that had been using Anefis as a staging point to attack security forces and civilian populations, military officials said.
The army contended that clearing these positions is part of a longer-term strategy to improve security in northern Mali, in which extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are still operating despite years of counterterrorism efforts.
Anefis is strategic because it lies along key transportation routes linking northern regions with central Mali. Control over the city is crucial for keeping the supply lines flowing, for moving troops, and for preventing militant groups from expanding their influence.
But the military declared the operation successful; however, officials did not immediately disclose the number of militants killed or captured. Security forces are still searching the surrounding area in order to control the remaining terrorist cells and not let them regroup.
The latest operation comes as Mali is still dealing with a complex security crisis that has been going on for more than a decade. Armed extremist groups regularly attack military bases, government officials, peacekeepers, and civilians in the northern and central regions of the country.
Mali has changed its security strategy in recent years, expanding military operations and also trying to find some new defense partners for its security strategy as international forces have left after the departure of several international forces.
National security forces have repeatedly pledged to strengthen their nation’s capabilities and regain full control over territories in the areas that could be affected by insurgents’ activities.
However, security experts say that while tactical gains such as the clearance of Anefis are appreciated, long-term stability will depend on sustained military pressure, better governance, economic development, and more community-based involvement to prevent extremist groups from re-establishing their networks.
Residents in northern Mali have also experienced significant humanitarian problems: displacement, disrupted education and health care, and violence as well.
Humanitarian organizations have encouraged all parties to focus on civilian protection in military operations for the sake of civilians.
Malian authorities have said they are in the process of restoring peace and territorial integrity and will be taking on terrorist groups in vulnerable areas.
