Violence in Mali – IEDs are used more frequently by Jihadists groups

A Coordinated Attack on Civilians and Military Forces

On Friday, February 7, 2025, a devastating ambush struck Mali as jihadists attacked a civilian convoy escorted by the Malian army and Wagner forces. The assault occurred between the cities of Gao and Ansongo, a region long plagued by violence and instability. The attack resulted in over fifty fatalities, including both civilians and military personnel, and left many others injured. The wounded were transported to Gao for urgent medical care.

Details of the Ambush

The convoy, consisting of at least 100 vehicles, was under the protection of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) and was heading toward Ansongo. The attack, likely orchestrated by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (IS-Sahel), took place around 2 p.m. near Kobe, approximately 30 km from Gao. The assailants, numbering around a hundred, emerged on motorcycles from both sides of the road, opening fire indiscriminately and setting vehicles ablaze. Heavy gunfire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) created chaos, causing severe destruction and loss of life.

Conflicting Reports on Casualties

The official statement from FAMa, released a day after the ambush, confirmed the deaths of 25 civilians and reported 13 injuries, mainly among young foreign gold miners traveling to work. However, independent sources suggest the death toll could be as high as 50, including drivers, escorts, and passengers.

Broader Security Implications

Beyond the tragic loss of life, the attack has highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Mali and the wider Sahel region.The destruction of numerous vehicles underscores the material costs of such violence. Local communities remain deeply alarmed by the escalating attacks, as security forces struggle to protect civilians.

Control of Key Routes by IS-Sahel

For several months, the IS-Sahel has dominated the Gao-Labzanga axis, which leads to the Nigerien border. The group imposes taxes on all vehicles passing through the region, including those operated by the Malian military and state authorities. A fragile, unwritten agreement between the jihadists and road users, facilitated by the regional administration, had allowed essential trade and supplies to continue despite the blockade.

Retaliation and Escalation

Tensions escalated on January 28, 2025, when a bus carrying a monthly tax payment to IS-Sahel was ambushed. Armed individuals disguised as civilians attacked and killed all the jihadist emissaries sent to collect the money. This act of retaliation likely triggered the February 7 ambush, signalling a cycle of escalating violence. Since the attack on the tax convoy, no vehicles had left Gao for Labzanga.

Use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

The ambush highlights the continued use of IEDs by terrorist groups in the Sahel. These devices, often assembled from readily available materials like ammonium nitrate or military-grade explosives, provide insurgents with a strategic advantage. IEDs are used to instil fear, disrupt military operations, and weaken government control over affected areas.

IEDs in the Sahel Conflict

Since 2013, IEDs have become a primary weapon against military forces in the Sahel. One-third of French military casualties in the region are attributed to these explosives. The militant group JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin) frequently deploys IEDs against Malian military forces and Wagner convoys, particularly in Mopti, Koulikoro, and Burkina Faso’s Mouhoun region.

Foreign Influence and Expanding Threat

The increasing sophistication of IEDs in Mali suggests the involvement of foreign specialists, potentially linked to Middle Eastern terrorist networks. In July 2024, armed groups used IED expertise to halt a Wagner convoy en route to Tinzaouatène. The widespread use of these devices underscores the growing reach and organization of militant factions in the Sahel.

Conclusion

The February 7 ambush is a stark reminder of the ongoing security crisis in Mali. The region remains under siege by extremist groups that continue to exploit instability for their strategic gains. As violence escalates, the need for effective counterterrorism measures and regional cooperation becomes increasingly urgent.