Jihadist Attack Leaves Timbuktu in Vulnerable Peace State, Mali
Title: Unsettling Events: Jihadist Attack in Timbuktu, Mali - A Calm City Holds Its Breath
The PEACEFUL atmosphere of Timbuktu took a sharp turn on June 3rd, following a distressing attack on Monday, as reported by local residents and a security sources to AFP. A thirty-day curfew, stretching from 9 PM to 6 AM, has been imposed by city officials, following an update from the former curfew imposed in 2023. This new regulation came into effect following the two days of heavily armed clashes and gunshots that echoed throughout the ancient city.
Timbuktu, a city renowned for its historical mausoleums and inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, saw transportation gradually resume on June 3rd. However, the city's inhabitants continue to live under a looming sense of fear, as the tragic events served as a grim reminder of the past and rekindled memories of home-invading gunshots.
"The situation is calm, people are attempting to resume their daily routines, but one can feel the lingering fear," shared a representative from the city's civil society. "We worry that the situation could worsen in the near future. The streets are teeming with more military personnel than usual. Although it brings a sense of reassurance, it also fuels a deep sense of anxiety," another resident confided.
According to the civil society representative and two city sources, the attack resulted in one individual being brutally lynched and killed, while another unfortunate resident met their end due to a stray bullet.
On Monday, twin attacks were launched on Malian army bases, including the facility in Timbuktu, according to the Malian military and information gathered by AFP from local sources. An evening statement by the army stated the successful neutralization of fourteen attackers, without providing information on any additional casualties. A reported infiltration attempt targeted the military camp, and shellfire was aimed at the adjacent airport, 2 kilometers from the city, according to the governor of Timbuktu.
Sadly, Timbuktu is no stranger to the clutches of jihadist groups associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as communal gangs, ever since 2012. Relentless violence instigated by these extremist groups has plagued this region since that year, with Timbuktu, itself, falling under the terrorists' dominion for several heartbreaking months in 2012.
The city bore the brunt of another significant assault on one of the army's main camps in the country's center, located in Boulikessi, only a day prior to the attack in Timbuktu. Reports of at least thirty soldiers being killed surfaced from security sources and local representatives, who fear the real casualty count could be even higher. The Malian government, currently controlled by the military, has decided to enforce a thirty-day, renewable curfew in the region of Ségou, starting on June 4th.
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Timbuktu Under Attack: July 2024
- Twin attacks targeted the Malian army bases and Timbuktu's airport on June 2nd
- At least thirty soldiers were killed in the confrontations, with twelve assailants neutralized
- Clashes resulted in heavy gunfire and shellfire echoing throughout the ancient city
Ongoing Impact
- Security concerns have escalated in Timbuktu, affecting the daily lives of its residents and exacerbating their fear
- Such attacks may disrupt local businesses and trade, hindering the economy
- Increased social tensions are likely to rise in response to escalating violence
Regional Context
- The Sahel region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, is witnessing a surge in jihadist violence, as extremist groups like JNIM and the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) intensify their offensives
- Governments in the region are struggling to contain these attacks, impacting both the military and civilian life in the affected areas
"The recent surge in jihadist violence, as evident in the attack on Timbuktu, is not limited to specific events. It's troubling to consider the impact of this violence on general news, politics, and even the economy, particularly in regions like the Sahel, where wars and conflicts continue to escalate."
"Moreover, the increased military presence in affected areas, such as Timbuktu, might provide momentary reassurance, but it also raises concerns about the transportation routes and the smooth flow of goods, ultimately affecting local businesses and trade."
