Dozens of vehicles, including fuel tankers, minibuses, and trucks, have been set ablaze near Mali’s capital, Bamako, as jihadist groups intensify a blockade that is choking supply routes into the city.
The attack occurred about 45km west of Bamako, where verified footage shows burnt-out vehicles along a major highway. No casualties were reported, as passengers were reportedly ordered out before the vehicles were torched.
The Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin affiliated with al-Qaeda, has maintained a fuel blockade on Bamako since last year, tightening restrictions after recent attacks on the capital.
The group has repeatedly targeted fuel convoys, kidnapping drivers and destroying more than 100 fuel trucks on key highways, severely disrupting supply chains into the landlocked country.
Mali relies heavily on fuel imports transported through neighbouring coastal states such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, making the blockade especially damaging to its economy.
The shortages have led to sharp increases in transport and commodity prices, with residents reporting worsening living conditions ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations.
Security analysts say the blockade is designed to weaken both the economy and the legitimacy of the military government led by Assimi Goïta, which came to power following a coup in 2020.
In response, the government has relied heavily on military escorts for convoys and cooperation with Russian-backed forces, including the Africa Corps, which has been deployed to support counter-insurgency operations.
Despite these measures, attacks on supply routes have continued, highlighting the group’s sustained operational capacity across central Mali.
Verified satellite data and thermal imaging confirmed the latest attack, with heat signatures detected at the scene shortly after the incident.
JNIM’s campaign has also disrupted agricultural supply chains, contributing to rising food prices and limiting the availability of livestock ahead of religious festivities.
Residents say the worsening insecurity has made travel dangerous, with many opting to remain in Bamako rather than risk movement during the holiday period.
The blockade forms part of a broader insurgency that has destabilised large parts of Mali, particularly in the north and east, despite ongoing military operations and international assistance.
Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the latest incident.
