On September 10, 2026, jihadists from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin attacked a Malian military base at Dioura. More than 50 Malian Armed Forces soldiers and 5 Russian Africa Corps paramilitary were killed in the attack. According to some sources, more than 100 Malian soldiers died.
Background
Attack Diora is one of the largest military bases in the region. The first wave of militants attacked the base held by the Malian Armed Forces (FAM). At the same time, other militants arrived from the east, on motorcycles, or in heavily armed vehicles. They managed to capture the camp, one of the focal points of the central movement.
At least 50 Malian Armed Forces soldiers and 5 Russian Africa Corps paramilitary were killed in the attack. Unverified sourced cited by AFP claimed 60 to 80 killed soldiers as well as several dozen soldiers taken as prisoners by the militants.
A Malian security source said more than 100 Malian soldiers were killed in the attack. Another 80 soldiers were captured.
After the attack, JNIM claimed to have taken "total control" of the barracks at Dioura. The Malian Armed Forces claimed to have killed "several dozen" militants in a retaliation attack on JNIM.
See also Raid on Dioura (2019) Raid on Dioura (2023) 2025 Dioura attack
References