Mali: More than 100 soldiers killed in Dioura, military does not disclose its losses

A security source interviewed by Reuters estimates the losses at 130 soldiers killed and claims that over 100 military personnel have been taken prisoner. A diplomatic source, on the other hand, mentions approximately 120 dead. These estimates have not been officially confirmed, and the exact number of captured soldiers remains uncertain.

AFP had already reported on September 18 that more than 100 Malian soldiers were killed, along with five Russian members of Africa Corps who died in the assault. An officer from the military staff cited by the agency referred to a report from the military police indicating around a hundred missing, about thirty wounded, and approximately 30 prisoners. An initial assessment published a few days after the attack indicated at least 50 soldiers killed.

The Support Group for Islam and Muslims, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the assault. It asserts that it killed 150 soldiers and captured 93 military personnel. These figures, released by the jihadist group, have not been independently verified.

In its communication on September 19, the Malian military stated that it had conducted air and ground operations in the area for more than a week. Two companies were evacuated from the garrison, and the military staff acknowledged that Malian soldiers had been killed while claiming to have inflicted significant losses on the attackers. Efforts to locate soldiers held hostage are ongoing.

In Sévaré and Konna, also in the same region, JNIM has claimed attacks against military positions. Reuters reports that the military airport in Sévaré has endured several nights of gunfire, and around forty wounded Malian soldiers and Russian fighters have been seen at the city’s hospital.