AES joint force conducts intense air campaigns against jihadists in Northern Mali
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—launched a series of intense air campaigns in Malian territory on July 30, 2026. The strikes targeted Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists (JNIM) and Tuareg separatist groups in Kidal, Gao, and Menaka. The joint operation follows a major insurgent assault that resulted in the capture of Kidal and the death of Mali's Defense Minister Sadio Camara. Burkina Faso has placed its military on high alert in support of the Malian junta's response.
Date: July 30, 2026
Location: Kidal, Mali
Conflict: Sahel Insurgency
Category: airstrike
Severity: HIGH
Source: Africanews