The Malian Armed Forces have declared that they have regained the initiative and established control across all conflict zones targeted by the Azawad Liberation Front in the northern regions and the Support Group for Islam and Muslims, an Al-Qaeda-linked faction, in central and southern Mali.

In an official statement, the Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMa) confirmed that intense clashes continued on Sunday in Anifif, located in the northeast of the country, approximately 110 kilometers south of Kidal, following the arrival of additional fighters and equipment for the Azawad Liberation Front.

The army’s communiqué emphasized the resilience of its troops, stating: “Confronted with these attempts at coercion, Malian military units fought with unwavering determination and discipline throughout the day, displaying exceptional courage.”

It further underscored the army’s unshakable confidence in its ability to safeguard national unity, protect civilians, and decisively defeat enemy forces.

The Azawad Liberation Front’s spokesperson, Mohamed Mouloud Ramadan, had previously claimed control over Anifif following the resumption of hostilities. He also refuted reports of the group’s leader, Mbarek Ag Akli, being killed, asserting that he remained actively overseeing military operations in northern Mali.