2025 Timbuktu attack

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2025 Timbuktu attack
Part of Mali War
DateJune 2, 2025
Location
Timbuktu Airport and checkpoints on the outskirts of the city, Timbuktu, Mali
Result

Indecisive

  • Timbuktu Airport attack foiled
  • Several checkpoints captured
Belligerents
Malian Army
Wagner Group		 Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin
Casualties and losses
30-60+ killed 6-14 killed
1 person lynched

On June 2, 2025, jihadists from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin attacked various military sites in Timbuktu, Mali, killing several dozen Malian soldiers but ultimately failing to seize any sites long-term.

Background

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Since the spring of 2025, JNIM has intensified their attacks on Malian forces, leading to a string of deadly attacks.[1] A week prior to the attack in Timbuktu, JNIM killed forty Malian soldiers in Dioura, and several military bases across the border in Burkina Faso were attacked by the militant group.[1] Less than a day before the Timbuktu attack, the Malian military base in Boulikessi was overrun.[2]

Attack

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At around 10am on June 2, several sites in the city of Timbuktu were attacked by JNIM.[3] The Timbuktu Airport, which hosts a major Malian and Wagner Group military base, was a primary target of the attacks.[4] A suicide bomber drove a car bomb near the entrance, with it's explosion allowing JNIM militants to enter the airport.[4] The Russian base was hit by artillery fire, but no casualties were reported.[4] Three explosions near checkpoints to the north and east of the city in Assadi, Ber, and Arwen were caused by JNIM attacks, with the group seizing two checkpoints.[3] Images of slain soldiers' IDs and weapons were posted onto social media.[5]

After the attack, the Malian government congratulated itself on having "thwarted an infiltration attempt" on the camp, while JNIM claimed to have carried out a suicide operation.[3]

Aftermath

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The Malian army stated that fourteen jihadists were killed or injured, and 31 more were arrested.[6] According to Sahel expert Wassim Nasr, six jihadists were killed.[5] Images of the jihadists' bodies and captured vehicles were broadcast on Malian television.[3] One person was also lynched by residents of the city.[7] JNIM claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that dozens of Malian soldiers were killed or wounded.[3] Neither group mentioned their own losses.[3]

AFP reported that at least 30 Malian soldiers were killed and several more were missing following the attack, with a local elected official saying at least 60 were killed.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Tejeda, Gaby (June 5, 2025). "JNIM Expanding Geographic Reach and Staging Coordinated Attacks in the Sahel". The Soufan Center. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
  2. ^ "Mali: nouvelle attaque des terroristes du Jnim au centre du pays". RFI (in French). 2025-06-01. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Mali: le Jnim mène des attaques simultanées à Tombouctou et intensifie ses opérations dans le pays". RFI (in French). 2025-06-02. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  4. ^ a b c "Mali: ce que l'on sait de plus au lendemain de l'attaque du Jnim à Tombouctou". RFI (in French). 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  5. ^ a b "Au Mali, une attaque jihadiste coordonnée à Tombouctou contre un camp de l'armée et l'aéroport". France 24 (in French). 2025-06-02. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  6. ^ a b "Au Mali, lourd bilan après des attaques djihadistes contre l'armée" (in French). 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  7. ^ "Mali : quelle est la situation à Tombouctou au lendemain de l'attaque terroriste ?". JeuneAfrique.com (in French). Retrieved 2025-07-08.