US Considers Military Action in Mali Against Al-Qaeda-linked Group

The administration of President Donald Trump is reviewing potential military options in Mali aimed at targeting the group "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin," which is linked to Al-Qaeda, according to current and former U.S. officials familiar with the discussions reported by the Washington Post.

If a decision is made to carry out strikes, Mali would become the eighth country to experience U.S. military operations ordered by Trump since the start of his second presidential term, reflecting Washington's increasing focus on armed threats in the Sahel region of Africa.

The decision remains under debate within the U.S. administration. Some officials favor the use of military force against the group, considered one of the most dangerous armed organizations in West Africa, while others warn that direct intervention could lead to complex security and political repercussions.

Expansion of Armed Group in the Sahel

"Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin" is among the most organized and well-armed militant groups in the Sahel region. Over recent years, it has strengthened its influence within Mali before expanding its operations to neighboring countries along the West African coast.

The group is accused of carrying out large-scale attacks against government forces and civilians. It has previously imposed sieges on key areas and roads, disrupting trade and supply routes within Mali.

This escalation occurs as the Sahel, stretching south of the Sahara Desert, has become a major hotspot for extremist groups worldwide, with growing influence from organizations affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Fragile Security and Political Situation in Mali

Mali has faced worsening security and political crises for years, including military coups that ousted elected governments and led to deteriorating relations with several Western countries.

The Malian military government has increasingly relied on Russian support to confront armed groups after cooperation with Western partners declined. Initially, Malian authorities engaged personnel from the Russian Wagner Group, before shifting collaboration to units linked to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

This cooperation has faced widespread criticism, with accusations against Russian forces of committing abuses against civilians during security operations—claims that Moscow has denied.

Concerns Over Potential Backlash

Experts on Sahel affairs warn that U.S. strikes may not necessarily eliminate the threat posed by armed groups but could prompt them to alter tactics or broaden their targets.

Some specialists argue that focusing solely on military solutions has not succeeded in the past, citing the French military intervention beginning in 2013, which weakened some militant leaders but did not stop the continued spread of extremist groups in the region.

Analysts also fear that weakening "Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin" might allow its rival, ISIS, to expand its influence in the Sahel, as competition between the two groups has previously limited either from fully extending control.

Washington's Military and Diplomatic Options

The U.S. administration states that it views terrorism in the Sahel as a threat requiring regional cooperation, calling on its African partners and international allies to support efforts to counter armed groups.

Conversely, some experts believe that the U.S. role might be more effective through political mediation and backing dialogue processes within Mali, rather than engaging in direct military operations that could complicate the situation further.

Analysts note that any U.S. intervention in Mali would be sensitive due to the presence of Russian forces, which could pose challenges in avoiding clashes between Washington and Moscow amid increasing competition for influence in the area.

The question of conducting U.S. strikes in Mali remains under consideration, with divisions within the American administration over the best approach to address the growing threat from armed groups in the Sahel.