Jan 5,  (V7N) – Mali's army announced Saturday the arrest of two men, including a senior figure in the Sahel branch of the Islamic State (IS) group, during a military operation in the country's north.

The operation also resulted in the deaths of several IS fighters, according to a statement from the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA).

The arrested individuals were identified as:

Mahamad Ould Erkehile, also known as Abu Rakia.

Abu Hash, described as a leading IS figure accused of orchestrating atrocities in the Menaka and Gao regions, as well as attacks on Malian forces.

ONGOING CONFLICT

Mali has faced deep instability since 2012, stemming from militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and IS, as well as local criminal networks. The northeast regions of Menaka and Gao have been hotspots of violence, with civilians and military forces frequently targeted.

SHIFTING ALLIANCES

The arrests come amidst Mali's shift in foreign alliances. The military government, which seized power in 2021, severed ties with former colonial power France, replacing French forces with Russian military support, including Wagner Group mercenaries.

This operation signals the army's continued push against militant networks in the region. Further details on the operation and subsequent investigations are expected.

END/WD/RH/