JNIM Militants Launch Symbolic Attack on Bamako's Senou Airport, Destroy Presidential Jet

Sep 17, 2024, 03:26 PM

In a significant escalation of violence in Mali, the militant group JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for an attack on the Gendarmerie base and the military airport in Bamako. The assault, which took place on September 17, 2024, involved the infiltration of the civilian airport and resulted in the destruction of several aircraft, including the private jet of Mali's coup president, Assimi Goita. The attack, described as a symbolic watershed event, has been seen as a major blow to the transitional government's international reputation. The lack of civilian casualties suggests the group's aim to target the government while attempting to win the support of the population. JNIM had been encircling Bamako, with Senou Airport being a prime target, and Al-Qaeda has published a photoset showing their fighters storming the facility.