Mali Designates 39 Nature Reserves as Military Zones to Eliminate Insurgent Shelters
The Malian military government issued a decree on June 22, 2026, declaring 39 parks and forests, including the Faya forest near Bamako, as off-limits military zones. The move is designed to deny sanctuary to Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM militants and Tuareg separatist groups who utilize these areas to launch ambushes on National Route 6. Vegetation clearing and target elimination operations have commenced following high-level militant attacks in April that resulted in the death of Mali's defense minister. International analysts warn this may escalate fighting in the country's southern regions.