More than 100 Malian soldiers were reportedly killed in an attack by militants in central Mali earlier this month, according to two security sources. The attack took place on 10 September 2026 in the town of Dioura, where an army camp was targeted.
The attack was linked to Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked militant group operating in Mali and other parts of the Sahel region. JNIM later claimed responsibility for the attack and said it had killed 150 soldiers, although the figure could not be independently verified.
A security source told Reuters that about 130 soldiers were killed, while a diplomatic source estimated the number at around 120. The Malian army confirmed that some soldiers had died but did not give a specific death toll. It said its forces had carried out operations against the attackers and evacuated troops from the area.
The attack has increased concerns about the security situation in Mali, where militant groups have continued to carry out attacks despite efforts by the military government and its security partners to fight the insurgency.
Another attack was also reported at an airport in Sevare, central Mali. JNIM claimed responsibility and said it had targeted air-defence systems and pro-government forces. These claims could not be independently verified.
The latest violence highlights the continuing security challenges facing Mali as authorities attempt to regain control of areas affected by militant activity.
