Mali: IED targets French military convoy in Menaka Region, Jan. 2

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near a French military convoy in Menaka Region Jan. 2, killing two French soldiers and injuring a third. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack. The incident follows a similar Dec. 28 attack targeting French forces traveling between Hombori and Gossi, which left three French soldiers dead; Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) claimed the attack. The security forces are part of the French-led Operation Barkhane battling Islamist militants in central and northern Mali.

Context

The threat of terrorism is high in Mali, particularly in the northern region. Foreign governments regularly issue warnings regarding terror threats in the country. Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), comprising Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and its allies, operate in Mali. These groups continue to assume responsibility for attacks. They typically target UN camps, foreign and local military convoys, non-state militia, government personnel, and private citizens and property. Common tactics employed in such attacks include improvised explosive devices, assassinations, complex ambushes, rocket and mortar fire, suicide attacks, bombings, car bombs, land mines, kidnappings, and armed assaults. While terrorism is mainly concentrated in the northern region, militant violence has increased in recent years across central provinces.