Mali War

{{Further|History of Mali}}

In the early 1990s, Tuareg and Arab nomads formed the People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MPA) and declared war for independence of the northern part of Mali.Backgrounder: Situation in Mali, Ralph Sundberg, 5 June 2012, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, http://uppsalaconflictdataprogram.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/backgrounder-situation-in-mali/ Despite peace agreements with the government of Mali in 1991 and 1995 a growing dissatisfaction among the former Tuareg fighters, who had been integrated into the Malian Armed Forces, led to new fighting in 2007.Mali, Uppsala Conflict Data Program Conflict Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14 Jan 2013, http://www.ucdp.uu.se/gpdatabase/gpcountry.php?id=103®ionSelect=1-Northern_Africa# {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217080715/http://www.ucdp.uu.se/gpdatabase/gpcountry.php?id=103®ionSelect=1-Northern_Africa |date=17 December 2014 }} Despite historically having difficulty maintaining alliances between secular and Islamist factions, the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad allied itself with the Islamist groups Ansar Dine and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and began the 2012 Northern Mali conflict.

The MNLA was an offshoot of a political movement known as the National Movement for Azawad (MNA) prior to the insurgency. After the end of the First Libyan Civil War, an influx of weaponry led to the arming of the Tuareg in their demand for independence.{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201201200939.html |title=Mali: 47 Die in Clashes Between Troops, Rebels – Ministry |publisher=allAfrica.com |agency=Agence France-Presse|date=19 January 2012 |access-date=7 March 2012}} The strength of this uprising and the use of heavy weapons, which were not present in the previous conflicts, were said to have "surprised" Malian officials and observers.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/world/africa/tuaregs-use-qaddafis-arms-for-rebellion-in-mali.html?pagewanted=all |title=Qaddafi's Weapons, Taken by Old Allies, Reinvigorate an Insurgent Army in Mali |author=Adam Nossiter |date=5 February 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=26 March 2012}}

Though dominated by Tuaregs, the MNLA claimed that they represented other ethnic groups as well,{{cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2012/01/25/dans-le-nord-du-mali-les-touareg-du-mnla-lancent-un-nouveau-defi-arme-a-l-etat_1634378_3212.html |title=Dans le nord du Mali, les Touaregs du MNLA lancent un nouveau défi armé à l'Etat |language=fr |work=Le Monde |date=25 January 2012 |access-date=7 March 2012}} and were reportedly joined by some Arab leaders.{{cite web |author=Andy Morgan |url=http://thinkafricapress.com/mali/causes-uprising-northern-mali-tuareg |title=The Causes of the Uprising in Northern Mali |publisher=Think Africa Press |date=6 February 2012 |access-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209055102/http://thinkafricapress.com/mali/causes-uprising-northern-mali-tuareg |archive-date=9 February 2012 |df=dmy-all }} The MNLA's leader Bilal Ag Acherif said that the onus was on Mali to either give the Saharan peoples their self-determination or they would take it themselves.{{cite web|last=Ibrahim |first=Jibrin |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201203260286.html |title=West Africa: Mali and the Azawad Question |publisher=allAfrica.com |date=26 March 2012 |access-date=2 April 2012}}

Another Tuareg-dominated group, the Islamist Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith), initially fought alongside the MNLA against the government. Unlike the MNLA, it did not seek independence, but rather the imposition of Islamic law (Sharia) across Mali.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17596831 |title=Mali: Timbuktu heritage may be threatened, UNESCO says |publisher=BBC |date=3 April 2012 |access-date=4 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403181726/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17596831 |archive-date=3 April 2012 }} The movement's leader Iyad Ag Ghaly was part of the early 1990s rebellion and has been reported to be linked to an offshoot of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) that is led by his cousin Hamada Ag Hama{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5it6uaNq2Rlg0TWFZ9eDufiqjpGgA?docId=CNG.1917c4fef3978cd3368f40fb9f61aca9.5a1 |title=AFP: Islamist fighters call for Sharia law in Mali |date=13 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126041351/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5it6uaNq2Rlg0TWFZ9eDufiqjpGgA?docId=CNG.1917c4fef3978cd3368f40fb9f61aca9.5a1 |archive-date=26 January 2013 |df=dmy-all }} as well as Algeria's Department of Intelligence and Security.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/03/20123208133276463.html |title=Mali's Tuareg rebellion: What next? |author=Jeremy Keenan |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=23 March 2012}}

Mali was going through several crises at once that favored the rise of the conflict:Marc Fonbaustier, [http://marcfonbaustier.tumblr.com/post/25158046866/mali-a-case-study-of-a-complex-african-crisis Mali: A case study of a complex African crisis], Marcfonbaustier.tumblr.com, June 2012

• State crisis: the establishment of a Tuareg state has been a long-term goal of the MNLA, since it began a rebellion in 1962. Thereafter, Mali has been in a constant struggle to maintain its territory.
• Food crisis: Mali's economy has an extreme dependence on outside assistance, which has led Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to blockade, to subdue the military junta.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17591322 |title=West African ECOWAS Leaders Impose Mali Sanctions |publisher=BBC |date=3 April 2012 |access-date=14 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202221612/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17591322 |archive-date=2 February 2013 }}
• Political crisis: The mutiny led to the fall of the president.

{{further|Tuareg rebellion (2012)}}

The first attacks of the rebellion took place in Ménaka, a small town in far eastern Mali, on 16 and 17 January 2012. On 17 January, attacks in Aguelhok and Tessalit were reported. The Mali government claimed to have regained control of all three towns the next day. On 24 January, the rebels retook Aguelhok after the Malian army ran out of ammunition. The next day, the Mali government once again recaptured the city.{{cite web|url=http://stratfor.com/weekly/mali-besieged-fighters-fleeing-libya|title=Mali Besieged by Fighters Fleeing Libya|publisher=Stratfor|access-date=22 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017142528/http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/mali-besieged-fighters-fleeing-libya|archive-date=17 October 2012|url-status=dead}} Mali launched air and land counter operations to take back the seized territory,{{cite web|last=Rice|first=Xan|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/056fc1e8-5ae4-11e1-a2b3-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1n4Z8DUN6|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230304220311/https://www.ft.com/content/056fc1e8-5ae4-11e1-a2b3-00144feabdc0#axzz1n4Z8DUN6|archive-date=4 March 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Mali steps up battle against Tuareg revolt|work=Financial Times|date=19 February 2012|access-date=24 March 2012}} amid protests in Bamako and Kati.{{cite web|url=http://www.maliweb.net/news/insecurite/2012/03/20/article,55823.html |title=Contre la gestion de la crise du nord: Les élèves ont marché hier à Kati |language=fr |publisher=Mali Web |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322215840/http://www.maliweb.net/news/insecurite/2012/03/20/article,55823.html |archive-date=22 March 2012 }} Malian president Amadou Toumani Touré then reorganised his senior commanders for the fight against the rebels.{{cite news|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95127/MALI-Rebellion-claims-a-president |title=Mali: Rebellion claims a president|agency=IRIN |date=22 March 2012|access-date=2 April 2012}}

On 1 February 2012, the MNLA took control of the city of Menaka when the Malian army operated what they called a tactical retreat. The violence in the north led to counterprotests in the capital city of Bamako. Dozens of Malian soldiers were also killed in fighting in Aguelhok.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E8CV5ZF20120202|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114221944/http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFL5E8CV5ZF20120202|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2015|title=Mali capital paralysed by anti-rebellion protests|work=Reuters|date=2 February 2012|access-date=7 March 2012}} On 6 February, rebel forces attacked Kidal, a regional capital.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/02/20122416445129368.html|title=Tuareg rebels attack Mali town of Kidal|date=6 February 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=25 March 2012}}

On 4 March 2012, a new round of fighting was reported near the formerly rebel-held town of Tessalit.{{cite news |url=http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=490467&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17 |title=Malian soldiers battle Tuareg rebels in northeast: sources |agency=Agence France-Presse |publisher=Gulf Times |access-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305192238/http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=490467&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17 |archive-date=5 March 2012 |df=dmy-all }} The next day, three Malian army units gave up trying to lift the siege.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL5E8E5ARS20120305?feedType=RSS&feedName=maliNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012015144/https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL5E8E5ARS20120305?feedType=RSS&feedName=maliNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2017|title=Mali govt forces fail to lift garrison town siege|work=Reuters|date=5 March 2012|access-date=22 March 2012}} The United States Air Force air-dropped supplies via C-130 Hercules aircraft in support of the besieged Malian soldiers.{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Malian-forces-battle-Tuareg-rebels-20120304|title=Malian forces battle Tuareg rebels|agency=South African Press Association|publisher=News24|date=4 March 2012|access-date=22 March 2012|archive-date=9 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109231849/http://www.news24.com/africa/news/malian-forces-battle-tuareg-rebels-20120304|url-status=dead}} The C-130's most likely came from either Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, or Mauritania, both of which are known to have been used by the United States military.{{cite news

| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-expands-secret-intelligence-operations-in-africa/2012/06/13/gJQAHyvAbV_story.html

| title = U.S. expands secret intelligence operations in Africa

| last = Whitlock

| first = Craig

| date = 2012-06-13

| newspaper = The Washington Post

| access-date = 2014-11-06

}} On 11 March, the MNLA re-took Tessalit and its airport, and the Malian military forces fled towards the border with Algeria.{{cite news|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/tuareg-rebels-take-mali-garrison-town-say-sources/ |title=Tuareg rebels take Mali garrison town, say sources |agency=Reuters |publisher=Trust |date=11 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414214427/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/tuareg-rebels-take-mali-garrison-town-say-sources |archive-date=14 April 2012 }}

The rebels advanced to about 125 kilometers away from Timbuktu and their advance was unchecked when they entered without fighting in the towns of Diré and Goundam.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL5E8EE7LD20120314?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 |title=Mauritania denies collusion as Mali rebels advance |work=Reuters |date=14 March 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114212715/https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL5E8EE7LD20120314?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0 |archive-date=14 January 2015 }} Ansar Dine stated that it had control of the Mali-Algeria border.{{cite web|agency=AFP |date=20 March 2012 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/armed-islamist-group-claims-control-northeast-mali-162904447.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928165159/https://news.yahoo.com/armed-islamist-group-claims-control-northeast-mali-162904447.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2020 |title=Armed Islamist group claims control in northeast Mali |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=22 March 2012 }}

{{Main|2012 Malian coup d'état}}

On 21 March 2012, soldiers dissatisfied with the course of the conflict attacked Defense Minister Sadio Gassama as he arrived to speak to them. They then stoned the minister's car, forcing him to flee the camp.{{cite news |title=Mali Military Blocks Presidential Palace After Gunshots |publisher=Bloomberg |date=21 March 2012 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/mali-military-blocks-presidential-palace-after-gunshots-2-.html |access-date=22 March 2012 |first=Diakaridia |last=Dembele}} Later that day, soldiers stormed the presidential palace, forcing Touré into hiding.{{cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |url=http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/mali-army-claims-upper-hand-over-rebels-amid-coup-disarray/112262/ |title=Mali army claims upper hand over rebels amid coup disarray |date=25 March 2012 |access-date=25 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407112444/http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/mali-army-claims-upper-hand-over-rebels-amid-coup-disarray/112262/ |archive-date=7 April 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

The next morning, Captain Amadou Sanogo, the chairman of the new National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and State (CNRDR), made a statement in which he announced that the junta had suspended Mali's constitution and taken control of the nation.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL6E8EM04O20120322 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725210012/http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL6E8EM04O20120322 |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 July 2012 |title=Renegade Mali soldiers declare immediate curfew |work=Reuters |date=9 February 2009 |access-date=22 March 2012}} The mutineers cited Touré's alleged poor handling of the insurgency and the lack of equipment for the Malian Army as their reasons for the rebellion.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17462111 |title=Renegade Mali soldiers announce takeover |publisher=BBC |access-date=8 May 2018 |date=22 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211212129/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17462111 |archive-date=11 December 2012 }} The CNRDR would serve as an interim regime until power could be returned to a new, democratically elected government.{{cite news |title=Renegade Mali soldiers say seize power, depose Toure |work=Reuters |date=22 March 2012 |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82L00620120322 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725190152/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE82L00620120322 |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 July 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012}}

The coup was "unanimously condemned" by the international community,{{cite news |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2012/03/24/au-mali-le-front-des-putschistes-se-fragilise_1675215_3212.html |title=Au Mali, le front des putschistes se fragilise |date=24 March 2012 |work=Le Monde |language=fr |access-date=24 March 2012}} including by the United Nations Security Council,{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012322234952301942.html |title=International condemnation for Mali coup |date=23 March 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=24 March 2012}} the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the latter of which announced on 29 March that the CNRDR had 72 hours to relinquish control before landlocked Mali's borders would be closed by its neighbours,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17557926 |title=Ecowas gives Mali leaders ultimatum to relinquish power |date=29 March 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223052754/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17557926 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }} its assets would be frozen by the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and individuals in the CNRDR would receive freezes on their assets and travel bans.{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/20124181943166936.html |title=Malian coup leader to restore constitution |date=1 April 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=31 March 2012}} ECOWAS{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2012/04/201242103543735302.html |title=Is Mali heading for a split? |date=2 April 2012 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=2 April 2012}} and the African Union also suspended Mali. The U.S., the World Bank, and the African Development Bank suspended development aid funds in support of ECOWAS and the AU's reactions to the coup.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012322234952301942.html |title=International condemnation for Mali coup – Africa |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=23 March 2012}}{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/us-cuts-off-aid-malis-government-coup-174419428.html |title=US cuts off aid to Mali's government after coup |author=Bradley Klapper |date=26 March 2012 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=26 March 2012}}

Côte d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, who was the rotational chairman of ECOWAS, said that once the civilian government was restored an ECOWAS stand-by force of 2,000 soldiers could intervene against the rebellion.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/03/2012331101518829540.html |title=Tuareg rebels enter key Malian town – Africa |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=4 October 2011 |access-date=1 April 2012}} Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore was appointed as a mediator by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis. An agreement was reached between the junta and ECOWAS negotiators on 6 April, in which both Sanogo and Touré would resign, sanctions would be lifted, the mutineers would be granted amnesty, and power would pass to National Assembly of Mali Speaker Dioncounda Traoré.{{cite web |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2012/Apr-10/169703-mali-awaits-next-step-after-president-coup-leader-resign.ashx#axzz1rbYsVRxR |title=Mali awaits next step after president, coup leader resign |date=10 April 2012 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=9 April 2012}} Following Traoré's inauguration, he pledged to "wage a total and relentless war" on the Tuareg rebels unless they released their control of northern Malian cities.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mali/9201664/Malis-new-leader-threatens-total-war-against-Tuareg-rebels.html |title=Mali's new leader threatens 'total war' against Tuareg rebels |date=13 April 2012 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=14 April 2012 |location=London}}

During the uncertainty following the coup, the rebels launched an offensive with the aim of capturing several towns and army camps abandoned by the Malian army.{{cite news|last=Lewis |first=David |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-army-idUSBRE82L09C20120323?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews |title=Mali rebels advance in north, mutineers seek president |work=Reuters |access-date=23 March 2012 |date=23 March 2012}} Though the offensive ostensibly included both the MNLA and Ansar Dine, according to Jeremy Keenan of the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies, Ansar Dine's military contribution was slight: "What seems to happen is that when they move into a town, the MNLA take out the military base – not that there's much resistance – and Iyad [ag Aghaly] goes into town and puts up his flag and starts bossing everyone around about Sharia law."{{cite news|last1=Dixon|first1=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|last2=Labous|first2=Jane|name-list-style=amp|date=4 April 2012|title=Gains of Mali's Tuareg rebels appear permanent, analysts say|work=Los Angeles Times|location=Johannesburg and London|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mali-tuaregs-20120404,0,5399355.story?track=rss|access-date=3 April 2012}}

On 30 March 2012, the rebels seized control of Kidal, the capital of Kidal Region,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17562066 |work=BBC News |title=Mali coup: Rebels seize desert town of Kidal |date=30 March 2012 |access-date=30 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330175037/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17562066 |archive-date=30 March 2012 }} as well as Ansongo and Bourem in Gao Region.{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL6E8EU3F020120330?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114212717/http://af.reuters.com/article/maliNews/idAFL6E8EU3F020120330?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2015|title=Mali coup leader seeks help as rebels seize towns|author1=David Lewis |author2=Adama Diarra |name-list-style=amp |date=30 March 2012|work=Reuters|access-date=30 March 2012}} On 31 March, Gao fell to the rebels, and both MNLA and Ansar Dine flags appeared in the city. The following day, rebels attacked Timbuktu, the last major government-controlled city in the north; they captured it with little fighting.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17576725 |title=Mali Tuareg rebels enter Timbuktu after troops flee |date=1 April 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=1 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401151348/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17576725 |archive-date=1 April 2012 }} The speed and ease with which the rebels took control of the north was attributed in large part to the confusion created in the army's coup, leading Reuters to describe it as "a spectacular own-goal".{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/31/mali-rebels-assault_n_1393415.html |title=Mali Rebels Assault Gao, Northern Garrison |author1=Cheick Dioura |author2=Adama Diarra |name-list-style=amp |agency=Reuters|date=31 March 2012 |work=Huffington Post|access-date=5 April 2012}}

On 6 April 2012, stating that it had secured all of its desired territory, the MNLA declared independence from Mali. However, the declaration was rejected as invalid by the African Union and the European Union.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17635437|title= Mali Tuareg rebels declare independence in the north|date=6 April 2012 |work=BBC News|archive-date=21 July 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721031845/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17635437|access-date=28 August 2012}}

{{Main|Internal conflict in Azawad}}

After the withdrawal of Malian government forces from the region, former co-belligerents Ansar Dine, MOJWA, and the MNLA soon found themselves in conflict with each other as well as the populace.

On 5 April 2012, Islamists, possibly from AQIM or MOJWA, entered the Algerian consulate in Gao and took hostages.{{cite news |url=http://afrique.blog.lemonde.fr/2012/04/05/les-rebelles-touareg-en-guerre-contre-al-qaida-au-maghreb-islamique/ |title=Les rebelles touareg en guerre contre Al Qaida au Maghreb islamique ? |work=Le Monde |date=5 April 2012 |access-date=9 April 2012 |archive-date=8 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408192345/http://afrique.blog.lemonde.fr/2012/04/05/les-rebelles-touareg-en-guerre-contre-al-qaida-au-maghreb-islamique/ |url-status=dead }} The MNLA succeeded in negotiating their release without violence, and one MNLA commander said that the movement had decided to disarm other armed groups.{{cite web |url=http://www.elwatan.com/actualite/pour-liberer-les-otages-algeriens-des-negociations-avec-belmokhtar-sont-en-cours-08-04-2012-165949_109.php |title=Pour libérer les otages algériens : des négociations avec Belmokhtar sont en cours |publisher=El Watan |date=8 April 2012 |language=fr |access-date=9 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409152419/http://www.elwatan.com/actualite/pour-liberer-les-otages-algeriens-des-negociations-avec-belmokhtar-sont-en-cours-08-04-2012-165949_109.php |archive-date=9 April 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} On 8 April, a mostly Arab militia calling itself the National Liberation Front of Azawad (FNLA) announced its intention to oppose Tuareg rule, battle the MNLA, and "return to peace and economic activity"; the group claimed to consist of 500 fighters.{{Cite news|title=New north Mali Arab force seeks to "defend" Timbuktu |first1=Bate |last1=Felix |first2=Adama |last2=Diarra |work=Reuters |date=10 April 2012 |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83901120120410|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615224647/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE83901120120410|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2012}}

The MNLA clashed with protesters in Gao on 14 May, reportedly injuring four and killing one.{{cite web |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/mali_separatists_send_group_to_talk_to_protesters/666619.html |title=Mali Separatists Send Group to Talk to Protestors |date=15 May 2012 |publisher=Voice of America |access-date=16 May 2012}} On 6 June, residents of Kidal protested against the imposition of Sharia in the town and in support of MNLA, protests which were violently dispersed by Ansar Dine members. By the night of 8 June, MNLA and Ansar Dine rebels clashed against each other in the city with automatic weapons, with two dying in the skirmish.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18377168 |title=Mali rebel groups 'clash in Kidal' |date=8 June 2012 |work=BBC News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223052848/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18377168 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }}

In early June, Nigerien president Mahamadou Issoufou stated that Afghan and Pakistani jihadists were training Touareg Islamist rebels.{{cite web|url = http://www.france24.com/en/20120607-foreign-jihadists-operating-trainers-northern-mali-issofou-france24-interview|title = Afghan, Pakistani jihadists 'operating in northern Mali'|date = 7 June 2012|publisher = France 24}}

{{further|Battle of Gao}}

File:Tuareg rebel in northern Mali.PNG in northern Mali]]

File:Islamist fighters in northern Mali.PNG

Clashes began to escalate between the MNLA and the Islamists after a merger attempt failed,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18610618 |title=Mali: Islamists seize Gao from Tuareg rebels |date=27 June 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=27 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223052737/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18610618 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }} despite the signing of a power-sharing treaty.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18224004 |title=Mali Tuareg and Islamist rebels agree on Sharia state |date=26 May 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=27 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223052717/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18224004 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }}

Protests broke out on 26 June 2012 in the city of Gao, the majority of whose people are not Tuaregs (in contrast to the MNLA), but rather sub-Saharan groups such as the Songhay and Fula peoples. The protestors opposed the Tuareg rebels and the partition of Mali. Two were killed as a result of the protests, allegedly by MNLA troops.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/27/world/africa/mali-2-killed-in-anti-rebel-protest.html?ref=africa&gwh=88F2CF108C92A05F914F188CC9DADA14|title=Mali: 2 Killed in Anti-Rebel Protest|date=26 June 2012|agency=Reuters|work=The New York Times}} The protesters used both Malian and Islamist flags, and France 24 reported that many locals supported the Islamists as a result of their opposition to the Tuareg nationalists and the secession of Azawad.{{cite news|url=http://observers.france24.com/content/20120629-mali-backed-popular-support-islamists-drive-tuareg-separatists-north-city-gao|title=Backed by popular support, Mali's Islamists drive Tuareg from Gao|author=Peggy Brugiere|date=29 June 2012|publisher=France 24|access-date=29 August 2012|archive-date=11 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611010918/http://observers.france24.com/content/20120629-mali-backed-popular-support-islamists-drive-tuareg-separatists-north-city-gao|url-status=dead}}

On 26 June 2012, the tension came to all-out combat in Gao between the MNLA and MOJWA, with both sides firing heavy weapons. MNLA Secretary General Bilal ag Acherif was wounded in the battle.{{cite news |url=http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Mali-Islamists-oust-Tuaregs-from-Timbuktu-20120629 |title=Mali Islamists 'oust' Tuaregs from Timbuktu |date=29 June 2012 |publisher=News 24 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=29 June 2012 |archive-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701222736/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Mali-Islamists-oust-Tuaregs-from-Timbuktu-20120629 |url-status=dead }} The MNLA were soon driven from the city,{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/mali/9365390/Trouble-in-Timbuktu-as-Islamists-extend-control.html |title=Trouble in Timbuktu as Islamists extend control |author=Zoe Flood |date=29 June 2012 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=30 June 2012 |location=London}} and from Kidal and Timbuktu shortly after. However, the MNLA stated that it continued to maintain forces and control some rural areas in the region.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/16/world/africa/local-militia-bolsters-islamist-militants-in-mali.html?_r=1 |title=As Refugees Flee Islamists in Mali, Solutions Are Elusive |author=Adam Nossiter |date=15 July 2012 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526050413/https://www.webcitation.org/6AGhBsP5a?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/16/world/africa/local-militia-bolsters-islamist-militants-in-mali.html%3F_r=2 |access-date=28 August 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

As of October 2012, the MNLA retained control of the city of Ménaka, with hundreds of people taking refuge in the city from the rule of the Islamists, and the city of Tinzawatene near the Algerian border.{{cite web |url=http://www.elwatan.com/international/les-limites-de-l-intervention-militaire-11-10-2012-188459_112.php |title=The limits of military intervention |author=Salima Tlemçani |date=11 October 2012 |work=El Watan |archive-date=12 October 2012|url-status=dead |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012072123/http://www.elwatan.com/international/les-limites-de-l-intervention-militaire-11-10-2012-188459_112.php |access-date=15 October 2012}} In the same month, a splinter group broke off from the MNLA; calling itself the Front for the Liberation of the Azawad (FPA), the group stated that Tuareg independence was no longer a realistic goal and that they must concentrate on fighting the Islamists.{{cite news |url=http://www.startribune.com/world/171061311.html?refer=y |title=Mali's secular Tuareg rebels splinter, new group says independence unrealistic |author=Brahima Ouedraogo |date=24 September 2012 |agency=Associated Press |work=The Star Tribune |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526074614/https://www.webcitation.org/6BRQo1tFn?url=http://www.startribune.com/world/171061311.html%3Frefer=y |access-date=15 October 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

File:Islamist fighters in northern Mali2.PNG

On 1 September 2012, MOJWA took over the southern town of Douentza, which had previously been held by a Songhai secular militia, the Ganda Iso. A MOJWA spokesman said that the group had had an agreement with the Ganda Iso, but had decided to occupy the town when the militia appeared to be acting independently, and gained control of the town following a brief standoff with Ganda Iso.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/islamist-rebels-gain-ground-seize-control-of-douentza-in-northern-mali/2012/09/01/04a88536-f433-11e1-b74c-84ed55e0300b_story.html |title=Islamist rebels gain ground in Mali, seize control of Douentza, ousting former allied militia |date=1 September 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-date=11 December 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211071817/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/islamist-rebels-gain-ground-seize-control-of-douentza-in-northern-mali/2012/09/01/04a88536-f433-11e1-b74c-84ed55e0300b_story.html |access-date=2 September 2012}} Once MOJWA troops surrounded the city, the militia reportedly surrendered without a fight and were disarmed.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19454080 |title=Mali Islamists take strategic town of Douentza |date=1 September 2012 |work=BBC News |archive-date=23 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121223233149/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19454080 |access-date=2 September 2012}}

On 16 November 2012, Tuareg MNLA forces launched an offensive against Gao in an attempt to retake the town. However, by the end of the day, the Tuaregs were beaten back by the MOJWA forces after the Islamists laid an ambush for them. A Malian security source said that at least a dozen MNLA fighters were killed while the Islamists suffered only one dead. An MNLA official stated that their forces killed 13 MOJWA fighters and wounded 17, while they suffered only nine wounded.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20121116-malian-tuaregs-Gao-MNLA- |title=New fighting breaks out in northern Mali |publisher=France 24 |date=16 November 2012 |access-date=12 January 2013}}

On 19 November 2012, MOJWA and AQIM forces took over the eastern town of Ménaka, which had previously been held by the MNLA, with dozens of fighters from both sides and civilians killed. On the first day of fighting, the MNLA claimed its forces killed 65 Islamist fighters, while they suffered only one dead and 13 wounded. The Islamists for their part stated they killed more than 100 MNLA fighters and captured 20.[https://web.archive.org/web/20121122051826/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j6dnx4NTM3B9w2ZubUbVNiHw-0Kg?docId=CNG.52abdac0e7976e9d4a137aa05c36be57.11 "North Mali clashes kill dozens, some unarmed: source"] Google News (AFP), 20 November 2012

File:Northern Mali conflict.svg

{{Main|Operation Serval|African-led International Support Mission to Mali|EUTM Mali}}

{{See also|Timeline of the Northern Mali conflict}}

File:Pro-government militia in Mali training.PNG

File:Pro-government militia in Mali training3.PNG

Following requests from both the Mali government and ECOWAS for foreign military intervention,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19933979 |title=UN adopts resolution on northern Mali |publisher=BBC |date=13 October 2012 |access-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013013800/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19933979 |archive-date=13 October 2012 }} on 12 October 2012 the United Nations Security Council unanimously,{{cite web | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2012/10/14/2003545138 | title=UN Security Council aims for intervention in Mali | publisher=Tapai Times, via AFP | date=14 October 2012 | access-date=13 October 2012}} under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter,{{cite web | url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43281&Cr=+mali+&Cr1=#.UHnwscWHJ8E | title=Security Council paves way for possible intervention force in northern Mali | publisher=United Nations | date=12 October 2012 | access-date=13 October 2012}} passed a French resolution approving an African-led force to assist the army of Mali in combating the Islamist militants.{{cite news|title=U.N. Security Council asks for Mali plan within 45 days|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-crisis-un-idUSBRE89B17U20121012|access-date=13 October 2012|work=Reuters|date=12 October 2012}} The resolution gave 45 days for "detailed and actionable recommendations" for military intervention which would be drafted by ECOWAS and the African Union, with a figure of 3,000 proposed troops reported. A prior ECOWAS plan had been rejected by diplomats as lacking sufficient detail.

While authorising the planning of force, and dedicating UN resources to this planning, UN Security Council Resolution 2071 does not authorize the deployment of force. However, UN Security Council Resolution 2085, passed on 20 December 2012, "authorizes the deployment of an African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) for an initial period of one year."{{cite web | url=https://www.un.org/en/sc/documents/resolutions/2012.shtml | title=UN Security Council Resolution 2085 | publisher=United Nations | date=20 December 2012 | access-date=14 January 2013}}

On 8 January 2013, rebels were reported by Al Jazeera to have captured 12 Malian government troops near the town of Konna.Al Jazeera, [http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/01/2013181147990618.html Rebels capture Mali government troops], Al Jazeera, 8 January 2013 On the same day, RFI reports that governmental troops fired warning shots and slightly progressed from Konna toward Douentza.[http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130108-mali-bruits-bottes-ligne-demarcation-ansar-dine-aqmi-mujao-boko-haram-al-qaida Mali : tirs de sommation sur la ligne de démarcation], Radio France Internationale. 8 January 2013

By December, the now displaced MNLA began peace talks with the Malian government and relinquished its previous goal of Azawadi independence in favor of a request for self-rule within Mali. After the French entry in January 2013, the MNLA spokesman in Paris, Moussa Ag Assarid (who had criticized the splinter group FPA months earlier for giving up on independence{{cite web |url=http://www.startribune.com/world/171061311.html?refer=y |title=AP INTERVIEW: Mali's secular Tuareg rebels splinter, new group says independence unrealistic |first=BRAHIMA |last=OUEDRAOGO |date=24 September 2012 |website=Star Tribune |agency=Associated Press |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526074614/https://www.webcitation.org/6BRQo1tFn?url=http://www.startribune.com/world/171061311.html%3Frefer=y |archive-date=26 May 2024 |df=dmy-all }}) declared that the MNLA was "ready to help" their former opponents in the fight against the Islamists.{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/14/260337.html|title=Al Arabiya: Tuareg rebels ready to help French forces in Mali|access-date=17 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117062221/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/14/260337.html|archive-date=17 January 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} At this time, the MNLA controlled no big localities and was only strong in rural and desert areas near the borders with Mauritania, Algeria and Niger, having been driven off from most of its claimed territory by Islamist groups.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20130114-mali-france-intervention-terrorist-attacks|title=Africa – Mali-based Islamists pledge attacks on French soil|work=France 24|date=14 January 2013|access-date=17 December 2014}}

After the declaration, the MNLA re-engaged the Islamist forces, and, with the help of one defecting Islamist faction, retook the cities of Tessalit and Kidal (the site of earlier pro-MNLA protests against the Islamists) in late January.{{cite news|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2013/01/28/01003-20130128ARTFIG00523-mali-les-touaregs-laiques-disent-avoir-repris-kidal.php |title=les touaregs laïques disent avoir repris Kidal |work=Le Figaro |date=28 January 2013 |access-date=28 January 2013}}{{cite news | url=https://www.voanews.com/a/french-forces-seize-control-outside-timbuktu/1592063.html | title=Reports: Islamists Lose Two Cities in Northern Mali | publisher=Voice of America | date=28 January 2013}}

{{further|Battle of Konna}}

File:French troops in Bamako.PNG

On 10 January 2013, Islamist forces captured the strategic town of Konna, 600 km from the capital, from the Malian army.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE90912Q20130110 | title=Mali Islamists capture strategic town, residents flee | work=Reuters | date=10 January 2013 | access-date=10 January 2013}} Later, an estimated 1,200 Islamist fighters advanced to within 20 kilometers of Mopti, a nearby Mali military garrison town.

The following day, the French military launched Opération Serval, intervening in the conflict.{{cite news |url= http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/01/12/la-france-demande-une-acceleration-de-la-mise-en-place-de-la-force-internationale-au-mali_1816033_3212.html |title=Mali – la France a mené une série de raids contre les islamistes |date=12 January 2013 |work=Le Monde |access-date=13 January 2013}} According to analysts, the French were forced to act sooner than planned because of the importance of Sévaré military airport, located 60 km south of Konna, for further operations. The operation included the use of Gazelle helicopters from the Special forces, which stopped an Islamist column advancing to Mopti, and the use of four Mirage 2000-D jets of the Armée de l'Air operating from a base in Chad. Twelve targets were hit by the Mirages overnight between the 11th and the 12th. The French chief of army staff, Édouard Guillaud, announced that the Islamists had withdrawn from Konna and retreated several dozen of kilometres to the north.{{cite news |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/01/12/mali-apres-la-mort-rapide-d-un-officier-l-operation-militaire-s-annonce-tres-dure_1816237_3212.html |title=Mali: après la mort rapide d'un officier, l'opération militaire s'annonce compliquée |work=Le Monde |date=12 January 2013 |access-date=13 January 2013}} The air strikes reportedly destroyed half a dozen Islamist armed pick-up trucks{{cite news|agency=Reuters |url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/french-army-says-no-current-plan-to-target-northern-mali |title=French army says no current plan to target northern Mali |publisher=Trust.org |access-date=13 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312181145/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/french-army-says-no-current-plan-to-target-northern-mali |archive-date=12 March 2013 }} and a rebel command center. One French pilot, Lieutenant Damien Boiteux, was killed after his attack helicopter was downed by ground fire during the operation.{{cite web|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/140881/ |title=French airstrikes destroy Mali rebel command center |publisher=Panarmenian.net |access-date=13 January 2013}}{{cite news|title=Hollande steps up France security over Mali and Somalia| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20999348|access-date=12 January 2013|work=BBC News|date=12 January 2013}}

During the night of 11 January 2013, the Malian army, backed by French troops, claimed it had regained control of the town of Konna,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-konna-idUSBRE90A14E20130111 |title=Malian army retakes central town from Islamists |work=Reuters |date=26 December 2012 |access-date=12 January 2013 |first=Bate |last=Felix}} and claimed to have killed over 100 Islamists. Afterwards, a Malian lieutenant said that mopping up operations were taking place around Konna.{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE90912Q20130111 | title=Malian army beats back Islamist rebels with French help | work=Reuters | access-date=12 January 2013 | last=Irish | first=John | date=11 January 2013}} AFP witnesses had seen dozens of Islamist corpses around Konna, with one saying he counted 46 bodies.{{cite news|title=French Gunships Stop Mali Islamist Advance|url=http://www.chillnews.net/worldnews/french-gunships-stop-mali-islamist-advance/8891|access-date=12 January 2013|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=12 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114091646/http://www.chillnews.net/worldnews/french-gunships-stop-mali-islamist-advance/8891|archive-date=14 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web |url=http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/01/12/mali-un-soldat-francais-tue-dans-des-raids-helicopteres_873532 |title=Mali: Hollande réunit son conseil de Défense à l'Elysée |work=Libération |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113125009/http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/01/12/mali-un-soldat-francais-tue-dans-des-raids-helicopteres_873532 |url-status=dead }} The French stated four rebel vehicles were hit by their airstrikes,{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3Afc288939-6cb4-45dc-8edb-c96a58c0dce0 |title=Gazelle Downed in French Air Raid, Soldier Killed |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date=13 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112230753/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3Afc288939-6cb4-45dc-8edb-c96a58c0dce0 |archive-date=12 January 2013 }} while the Malian Army claimed nearly 30 vehicles were bombed. Several dozens of Malian soldiers{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mali-rebels-idUKBRE90B09Y20130112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112075632/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mali-rebels-idUKBRE90B09Y20130112 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 January 2016 |title=Over 100 dead in French strikes and fighting in Mali |work=Reuters |date=9 January 2013 |access-date=13 January 2013}} and 10 civilians were also killed. A resident of Gao, the headquarters of the MOJWA, said that the city's hospital had been overwhelmed with dead and wounded.{{cite news|last=Felix|first=Bate|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE90912Q20130112|title=France bombs Mali rebels, African states ready troops|work=Reuters|access-date=13 January 2013|date=12 January 2013}} In all, one local resident counted 148 bodies around Konna.

File:French Mirage 2000 prepares to refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over Africa on Feb. 2, 2013.jpg

In the wake of the French deployment, ECOWAS said that it had ordered troops to be deployed immediately to Mali, the UN Security Council said that the previously planned UN-led force would be deployed in the near future, and the European Union said it had increased preparations for sending military training troops into Mali.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20991719 |title=France confirms Mali military intervention |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2013 |access-date=12 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112023139/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20991719 |archive-date=12 January 2013 }} The MNLA also offered to join the offensive against the Islamists.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21009958 |title=France: How was it dragged into the Malian conflict? |work=BBC News |date=14 January 2013 |access-date=14 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115183509/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21009958 |archive-date=15 January 2013 }}

On 12 January, the British government announced that it was deploying two Royal Air Force C-17 transport planes in a non-combat role to ferry primarily French but also potentially African forces into Mali.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/12/mali-somalia-france-rebels-islamist-francois-hollande | title=Britain to send aircraft to Mali to assist French fight against rebels | work=The Guardian | date=12 January 2013 | access-date=12 January 2013 | location=London | first1=Kim | last1=Willsher | first2=Peter | last2=Beaumont | first3=Cass | last3=Jones}}

On 13 January, regional security sources announced the death in Konna of Abdel Krim, nicknamed "Kojak", a high level leader in the Ansar Dine group.{{cite web|url=http://www.romandie.com/news/n/_ALERTE___Mali_un_haut_responsable_d_Ansar_Dine_tue_dans_les_combats_a_Konna_98130120131030.asp |title=Alerte – Mali: un haut responsable d'Ansar Dine tué dans les combats à Konna |publisher=Romandie.com |access-date=13 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118072512/http://www.romandie.com/news/n/_ALERTE___Mali_un_haut_responsable_d_Ansar_Dine_tue_dans_les_combats_a_Konna_98130120131030.asp |archive-date=18 January 2013 }} French defense minister Le Drian said that new airstrikes were ongoing in Mali, had happened during the night and would happen the next day. A resident of Léré said that airstrikes had been conducted in the area.{{cite web |first1=Baba |last1=Ahmed |first2=Rukmini |last2=Callimachi |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.nwherald.com/mobile/article.xml/articles/2013/01/12/157ca9e72e444982b77f481c0da00fc0/index.xml |title=Hundreds of French troops drive back Mali rebels |website=Northwest Herald |publisher=Nwherald.com |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-date=14 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114213116/http://www.nwherald.com/mobile/article.xml/articles/2013/01/12/157ca9e72e444982b77f481c0da00fc0/index.xml |url-status=dead }} The airstrikes were concentrated on three areas, Konna, Léré and Douentza.{{cite web|url=http://fr.alakhbar.info/5767-0-Mali-Laviation-francaise-bombarde-les-positions-du-MUJAO-a-Douentza.html |title=Alakhbar | Mali: L'aviation française bombarde les positions du MUJAO à Douentza |publisher=Fr.alakhbar.info |access-date=13 January 2013}} Two helicopters were seen attacking Islamist positions in Gao.{{cite news|agency=Reuters |url=https://news.yahoo.com/french-planes-strike-mali-rebel-stronghold-gao-132924865.html |title=French planes strike Mali rebel stronghold of Gao |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=13 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118064230/http://news.yahoo.com/french-planes-strike-mali-rebel-stronghold-gao-132924865.html |archive-date=18 January 2013 }} A dozen strikes targeted the city and its outskirts. A resident reported that all Islamist bases around Gao had been taken out of operation by the strikes.{{cite web |url=http://www.romandie.com/news/n/_ALERTE___Mali_frappes_francaises_sur_Gao_74130120131639.asp |title=Mali frappes francaises sur Gao |publisher=Romandie.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118072518/http://www.romandie.com/news/n/_ALERTE___Mali_frappes_francaises_sur_Gao_74130120131639.asp |archive-date=18 January 2013 }} An Islamist base in Kidal was targeted by the French air force.{{cite web |url=http://www.romandie.com/news/n/_ALERTE___Mali_frappes_aeriennes_francaises_pres_de_Kidal_autre_bastion_jihadiste_69130120131813.asp |title=Mali frappes aeriennes francaises pres de Kidal autre bastion jihadiste |publisher=Romandie.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118072525/http://www.romandie.com/news/n/_ALERTE___Mali_frappes_aeriennes_francaises_pres_de_Kidal_autre_bastion_jihadiste_69130120131813.asp |archive-date=18 January 2013 }} French defence minister Le Drian, announced that four Rafale fighters had participated in the Gao airstrikes. They had left France and were based in Chad.{{cite web|url=http://champagne-ardenne.france3.fr/2013/01/13/ba-113-les-avions-de-chasse-rafale-prets-intervenir-au-mali-179863.html |title=Quatre Rafale de la BA 113 ont conduit des frappes aériennes près de Gao, au Mali |date=16 June 2023 |language=fr |publisher=France 3 Champagne-Ardenne }}

It was reported that following the strikes that destroyed their bases, the MUJAO forces left Gao.{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1247720/1/.html |title=France pounds Islamist strongholds in northern Mali |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116124815/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1247720/1/.html |url-status=dead }} Residents reported that 60 Islamists died in the Gao airstrikes. Others were hiding in the houses and picked up the dead bodies during the night.{{cite web|work=Le Figaro |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2013/01/14/97001-20130114FILWWW00412-mali-plus-de-60-jihadistes-tues.php |title=Mali: plus de 60 jihadistes tués |date=14 January 2013 }}

On 14 January, the Islamists attacked the city of Diabaly, 400 km north of Bamako in the government-held areas. They came from the Mauritanian border where they fled to avoid the airstrikes. The AQIM leader known as Abu Zeid was leading the operation.{{cite web|work=Le Figaro |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2013/01/14/97001-20130114FILWWW00457-mali-attaque-des-islamistes-sur-la-route-de-bamako.php |title=Mali: attaque des islamistes sur la route de Bamako |date=14 January 2013 }} On the same day, Islamists pledged to launch attacks on French soil.{{cite web|publisher=France 24 |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20130114-mali-france-intervention-terrorist-attacks |title=Mali-based Islamists pledge attacks on French soil|date=14 January 2013 }} Jihadists took control of Diabaly a few hours after their attacks.{{cite web|title=Mali: revivez la quatrième journée de l'opération "Serval"|url=http://www.bfmtv.com/international/direct-mali-423820.html|publisher=BFM TV|access-date=18 January 2013|language=fr|date=14 January 2013}}

On 15 January, the French defense minister confirmed that the Mali military had still not recaptured Konna from rebel forces, despite earlier claims.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-20907386|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115232316/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20907386 |url-status=live|title=France military says Mali town Konna 'not recaptured'|work=BBC News|date=15 January 2013|archive-date=15 January 2013}} Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Air Force dispatched a C-17 transport plane to Mali in a similar role as those of the British C-17s.{{cite news|title=Canadian C-17 joins allied efforts en route to Mali|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-c-17-joins-allied-efforts-en-route-to-mali-1.1305804|publisher=CBC News|access-date=18 January 2013|date=15 January 2013}} The Danish Parliament decided to contribute a C-130 transport plane{{cite news|last=Wenande|first=Christian|title=Air Force cargo plane heading to Mali|url=http://cphpost.dk/news/international/air-force-cargo-plane-heading-mali|access-date=18 January 2013|newspaper=The Copenhagen Post|date=15 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115204418/http://cphpost.dk//news/international/air-force-cargo-plane-heading-mali|archive-date=15 January 2013|url-status=dead}} and the Belgian government made the decision to send two C-130s along with one Medical Component Agusta A109 Medevac medical evacuation helicopter along with 80 support personnel to Mali.{{cite web |url=http://www.europeonline-magazine.eu/belgien-stellt-zwei-flugzeuge-und-einen-hubschrauber-fuer-mali_258627.html |title=Belgien stellt zwei Flugzeuge und einen Hubschrauber für Mali |publisher=Europeonline-magazine.eu |date=20 November 2012 |access-date=15 January 2013 |language=de}}

{{Main|In Aménas hostage crisis }}

On 16 January, it was reported that a group of AQIM militants had crossed the border from Mali into Algeria and had captured an Algerian/Statoil/BP-owned natural gas field, In Aménas, near the border with Libya. The militants were reported to have killed two foreign nationals and were holding 41 foreign nationals hostage, and a spokesman for the group said that the purpose of the attack was to get revenge on the countries that had intervened in Mali. The hostages reportedly included several American, Japanese, British, Romanian, Filipino and Norwegian citizens. Algeria was reportedly negotiating with the militants to try and obtain the hostages' release.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/16/islamist-militants-from-mali-reportedly-kidnap-8-foreigners-at-algerian-gas-1052027220/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116184814/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/01/16/islamist-militants-from-mali-reportedly-kidnap-8-foreigners-at-algerian-gas-1052027220/|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 January 2013|title=Al Qaeda-linked group reportedly holding 7 Americans among 41 hostages after taking control of Algerian gas field | work=Fox News | date=16 January 2013}}

On 19 January, 11 militants and 7 hostages were killed in a final assault to end the standoff. In addition, 16 foreign hostages were freed, including 2 Americans, 2 Germans, and 1 Portuguese.{{cite web|last=Goh|first=Melisa|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/19/169781140/hostages-militants-reported-dead-in-algerian-assault|title=Hostages, Militants Reported Dead After Assault Ends Standoff: The Two-Way|publisher=NPR|date=19 January 2013|access-date=19 January 2013}}

{{further|Battle of Diabaly|Second battle of Gao|3rd battle of Gao|4th battle of Gao|Battle of Khalil|Battle of Iminenas|Battle of Tin Keraten|Battle of Timbuktu|5th Battle of Gao|2nd Battle of Timbuktu|Battle of In Arab }}

On 16 January, French special forces, along with the Malian army, began fighting small and mobile groups of jihadists inside the city of Diabaly,{{cite news|title=Mali conflict: French 'fighting Islamists in Diabaly' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21038856 |work=BBC News |access-date=18 January 2013 |date=16 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117211244/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21038856 |archive-date=17 January 2013 }} but the French defense minister denied the presence of French troops fighting in Diabaly.{{cite web|title=Mali: Le Drian dément des combats au corps à corps... Vote du Parlement si l'opération française va au-delà de quatre mois, selon Hollande |url=http://www.20minutes.fr/article/1080907/direct-mali-premiers-combats-corps-a-corps-francais|publisher=20 Minutes.fr|access-date=18 January 2013|date=17 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119020452/http://www.20minutes.fr/article/1080907/direct-mali-premiers-combats-corps-a-corps-francais|archive-date=19 January 2013|url-status=dead}} The government of Spain approved the dispatch of one transport aircraft to Mali for logistical and training support.{{cite web|title=España ofrece un avión de transporte para la intervención en Malí|url=http://www.abc.es/espana/20130114/rc-espana-ofrece-avion-transporte-201301141451.html|work=ABC|location=Spain|access-date=18 January 2013|date=17 January 2013|archive-date=18 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118174648/http://www.abc.es/espana/20130114/rc-espana-ofrece-avion-transporte-201301141451.html|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, the government of Germany authorized the contribution of two Transall C-160 transport aircraft to ferry African troops into the capital Bamako. Likewise, the government of Italy pledged air transport-based logistical support.

On 17 January, Banamba was put on alert after Islamists were reportedly spotted near the town. The Malian army immediately deployed 100 soldiers to the town, which were reinforced later. A convoy of Islamists reportedly left Diabaly and was heading towards Banamba,{{cite news|title=Mali Islamist rebels draw closer to capital Bamako|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/17/mali-islamists-nearer-capital-bamako|work=The Guardian|access-date=17 January 2013|location=London|first=Afua|last=Hirsch|date=17 January 2013}} but ultimately no fighting took place in the town.

On 18 January, the Malian Army released a statement claiming to have complete control of Konna.{{cite news|title=L'armée malienne affirme avoir repris le contrôle de Konna|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/01/18/l-armee-malienne-affirme-avoir-repris-le-controle-de-konna_1818883_3212.html |access-date=18 January 2013|newspaper=Le Monde|date=18 January 2013|language=fr}}{{cite news|title=Mali Army Secures Central Town of Konna |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-18/mali-army-secures-central-town-of-konna.html|access-date=18 January 2013|newspaper=Bloomberg L.P.|date=18 January 2013}} The claim was confirmed by residents of Konna{{cite news|title=Mali army 'regains Konna' as Nigerian troops arrive |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21077137 |access-date=18 January 2013 |publisher=BBC |date=18 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118155155/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21077137 |archive-date=18 January 2013 }} and a spokesman for Ansar al-Dine. The same day, rebels were driven out of Diabaly according to multiple local sources.

Reports came out on 19 January that residents of Gao had lynched Aliou Toure, a prominent Islamist leader and the MOJWA police commissioner of the city, in retaliation for the killing of a local journalist, Kader Toure.{{cite news|title=Residents in northern Malian town lynch Islamist: sources|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-crisis-lynching-idUSBRE90I0IM20130119|access-date=20 January 2013|work=Reuters|date=19 January 2013}} AFP cited local reports saying that the Islamists were beginning to leave other areas under their control to seek refuge in the mountainous and difficult-to-access Kidal Region.{{cite news|title=Malian, French troops patrol as powers offer aid |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5joSXAi6hF3ZtemzMEse5aT_DvOBA?docId=CNG.f72391dd38486d97b3fe9368cebcb662.261 |access-date=20 January 2013 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=20 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201201239/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5joSXAi6hF3ZtemzMEse5aT_DvOBA?docId=CNG.f72391dd38486d97b3fe9368cebcb662.261 |archive-date=1 February 2013 }} On the same day, two Nigerian soldiers were killed and five were injured by Islamists near the Nigerian town of Okene as they were heading toward Mali.{{cite news|title=Islamists kill Nigerian soldiers heading to Mali|url=http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97301/Islamists-kill-two-Nigerian-troop-members-headed-for-Mali|access-date=24 January 2013|agency=IRIN|date=21 January 2013}}

On 20 January, the United States denied that they had attempted to bill the French for American support in the conflict.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323301104578253824061131556|title=After French Criticism, Washington Drops Payment Demand|author1=David Gauthier-Villars |author2=Adam Entous |name-list-style=amp |date=21 January 2013|work=WSJ|access-date=17 December 2014}} USAF C-17s began to fly in French troops and supplies the next day.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

On 21 January, French and Malian troops entered Diabaly without resistance.{{cite news|title=Mali conflict: French troops 'enter Diabaly' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21121262 |access-date=21 January 2013 |work=BBC News |date=21 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121185437/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21121262 |archive-date=21 January 2013 }} Douentza was also taken that day.{{cite news|title=French and Malian troops push northward|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/01/20131221473430858.html|access-date=22 January 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 January 2013}}

On the evening of 24 January Malian soldiers took control of Hombori.{{cite news|title=Mali army pushes farthest east toward city of Gao |url=http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Mali-army-pushes-farthest-east-toward-city-of-Gao-4219262.php |access-date=25 January 2013 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128001819/http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Mali-army-pushes-farthest-east-toward-city-of-Gao-4219262.php |archive-date=28 January 2013 }} On the same day a splinter group of Ansar al-Dine, calling itself the Islamic Movement for Azawad (MIA), stated that it wanted to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict and urged France and Mali to cease hostilities in the north in order "to create a climate of peace which will pave the way for an inclusive political dialogue".{{cite news|title=Mali Troops Advance into Rebel-Held Territory|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/mali-troops-advance-into-rebel-held-territory/1590636.html|access-date=25 January 2013|publisher=Voice of America|date=25 January 2013}}{{cite news|title=New Mali rebel faction calls for negotiations|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/01/2013124223130722857.html|access-date=25 January 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=25 January 2013}}

On 26 January, French Special Forces took over the airport and an important bridge in the city of Gao which remained largely Islamist-held. The troops reported "harassment" from Islamist forces but no solid resistance to their operations.{{cite news|last=Valdmanis|first=Richard|title=French forces in Mali seize airport, bridge at rebel-held Gao|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE90O0C720130126|access-date=26 January 2013|work=Reuters|date=26 January 2013}} The city was taken by a French-backed Malian force later that day.{{cite news|last=Formanek|first=Ingrid|title=Malian troops recapture rebel stronghold|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/26/world/africa/mali-unrest/?hpt=hp_t2|access-date=26 January 2013|publisher=CNN|date=26 January 2013}}

A new split happened in Ansar Dine, with one of its commanders in Léré, Kamou Ag Meinly, quitting the group and joining the MNLA.{{cite news|url=http://fr.saharamedias.net/Un-dirigeant-militaire-d-Ansar-Edine-entre-en-dissension-et-rejoint-le-MNLA_a3787.html |title=Un dirigeant militaire d'Ansar Edine entre en dissension et rejoint le MNLA |publisher=Fr.saharamedias.net |access-date=28 January 2013}}

On 27 January, French and Malian forces encircled Timbuktu and began securing the city.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21218003 |title=Mali conflict: French and Malian troops move on Timbuktu |newspaper=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 January 2013 |date=27 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128002449/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21218003 |archive-date=28 January 2013 }}{{cite news |title=French and Malian forces encircle Timbuktu|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20130127-french-mali-troops-encircle-timbuktu-battle|access-date=27 January 2013 |publisher=France 24|date=27 January 2013}}{{cite news|last=Diarra |first=Adama |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE90O0C720130127 |title=Malians celebrate, French-led forces clear Timbuktu |work=Reuters |access-date=28 January 2013 |date=27 January 2013}} After gaining the airport on 27 January, the next day, Malian and French military sources claimed that the entire area between Gao and Timbuktu was under government control and access to the city was available.[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/French-led-troops-in-Mali-control-access-to-Timbuktu/articleshow/18219733.cms French-led troops in Mali control access to Timbuktu]{{dead link|date=November 2015}} The Times of India. Retrieved 28 January 2013[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/french-led-troops-control-access-to-timbuktu-military.aspx?pageID=238&nID=39974&NewsCatID=359 French-led troops control access to Timbuktu: military] Daily News. Retrieved 28 January 2013[http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/world/story/french-led-troops-control-access-timbuktu-military-20130128 Breaking News: French-led troops control access to Timbuktu: military] Straits Times. Retrieved 28 February 2013 The city was fully taken by French and Malian forces by the next day.{{cite news | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsySihCbLF8 | title=French and Malian forces have retaken Timbuktu | publisher=Al Jazeera | date=28 January 2013}}

On 28 January, the MNLA took control of Kidal with the help of the Islamic Movement of Azawad (MIA), an Ansar Dine breakaway group that split after the international intervention. The MNLA also took control of the towns of Tessalit and Khalil. Apparently, fighters who had deserted the MNLA for the better financed Ansar Dine were now returning to the MNLA. Islamists were reported to have fled to the mountains.

On 29 January, the first non-Malian African troops entered North Mali. Nigerien soldiers occupied Ansongo and Chadian troops, Ménaka. The more numerous Chadian Army was also reported as moving north from Ménaka in support of the Malian Army.{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/actualites/operation-serval-point-de-situation-du-29-janvier-2013|title=Opération Serval: Point de situation du 29 janvier 2013|access-date=17 December 2014}}

On 30 January, French troops reached Kidal airport. No Malian soldiers were with them, as a confrontation with Tuaregs was feared. The town was reportedly under control of fighters from both the MNLA and MIA. The MNLA, however, denied any collaboration or even a desire to collaborate with the MIA, and stated that their fighters were maintaining control of the town alongside French forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.mnlamov.net/index.php?view=article&catid=34:actualites&id=249:communique-n-48-entree-des-troupes-francaises-a-kidal&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=|title=Communiqué N-48/ Entrée des troupes françaises à Kidal|last=Ag Attaher|first=Mossa|date=30 January 2013|publisher=MNLA|language=fr|access-date=1 February 2013}} Many leaders of Ansar Dine left Iyad Ag Ghali. Delegations from the MNLA and MIA left for Ouagadougou to negotiate with Malian officials.{{cite web|url=http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/guerre-au-mali/20130130.OBS7120/mali-l-enjeu-de-kidal.html |title=Mali. L'enjeu de Kidal – Le Nouvel Observateur |publisher=Tempsreel.nouvelobs.com |date=30 January 2013 |access-date=6 March 2013}}

On 2 February, Chadian troops from MISMA reached Kidal and were stationed in a deserted base in the city. Their general said that they had no problem with the MNLA and had good relations with them.{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130202-mali-armee-tchadienne-prend-position-kidal-mnla |title=Mali: l'armée tchadienne prend position à Kidal – Mali / Tchad – RFI |date=2 February 2013 |publisher=Radio France Internationale |access-date=6 March 2013}} On the same day, the French President, François Hollande, joined Mali's interim President, Dioncounda Traoré, in a public appearance in recently recaptured Timbuktu.{{cite news|title=Mali conflict: Timbuktu hails French President Hollande |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21304079 |access-date=2 February 2013 |work=BBC News |date=2 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202191543/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21304079 |archive-date=2 February 2013 }}

On 5 February, according to Chadian news stations, 24 Chadian soldiers were killed and 11 were wounded when they were ambushed by jihadists during a patrol north of Kidal. The information was neither denied nor confirmed by Chadian and Malian authorities. However, the Chadian government did mention that 11 soldiers were injured in a "traffic accident" north of Kidal.http://www.blogs.rue89.com/yeti-voyagear/2013/02/14/guerre-du-mali-que-sest-il-passe-sur-gao-229642{{dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 8 February, French and Chadian troops announced that they had occupied Tessalit near the Algerian border, the location of one of the last airports still not controlled by the Malian government and its allies.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-21381379|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208141052/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21381379#TWEET592089|url-status=live|title=Mali conflict: 'First suicide bombing' in Gao|work=BBC News|date=8 February 2013|archive-date=8 February 2013}}

{{further|Battle of Ifoghas|Operation Panther (2013)|Battle of Tigharghar|Attack on Kidal (2013)|Battle of Djebok}}

Islamist and Tuareg forces retreated to the Adrar des Ifoghas, rugged badlands in northeastern Mali, where knowledge of and control over local sources of water would play a vital role in continuing the conflict in that area.{{cite news|title=Mali War Shifts as Rebels Hide in High Sahara|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/world/africa/new-focus-in-mali-is-finding-militants-who-have-fled-into-mountains.html|access-date=10 February 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=9 February 2013|author=Adam Nossiter|author2=Peter Tinti}} On 19 February, France began a new operation (Panther) intended to subdue the region.{{cite news|url=http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/02/21/actualidad/1361470537_795026.html|title=Malí: nuevos combates, más militares|author=Ediciones El País|work=EL PAÍS|access-date=17 December 2014|date=21 February 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://lajeunepolitique.com/2013/02/21/hollande-we-are-in-the-final-phase-of-the-operation-in-mali/ |title=Hollande: We are in "the final phase" of the operation in Mali – La Jeune Politique |work=La Jeune Politique |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217214215/http://lajeunepolitique.com/2013/02/21/hollande-we-are-in-the-final-phase-of-the-operation-in-mali/ |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}

Between 8 and 10 February, MUJAO – who had been harassing government forces from the outskirts since Malian and French forces took the city on 26 January – launched the first two suicide attacks of the war in Gao, resulting in the death of the two bombers and injuring a Malian soldier and a civilian. Islamist fighters armed with AK-47s then crossed the Niger River on canoes, took over an abandoned police station and deployed snipers in nearby buildings in anticipation of the government forces' counterattack. The situation was controlled by pro-government forces after heavy fighting which included an air attack on the police station by French helicopters.{{cite news | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/02/2013210112741105848.html | title=Mali rebels launch guerrilla attack on Gao | publisher=Al Jazeera | date=11 February 2013}}

On 19 February, Islamists attacked a French parachute regiment of 150 soldiers supported by a heavy vehicle patrol and Mirage fighter jets. One French commando, a sergeant, was killed and so were 20 Islamist militants.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/02/2013219173241766154.html|title=French soldier killed in northern Mali|access-date=17 December 2014}}

Gao was attacked a second time on 20 February. Islamists again crossed the Niger and came close to the city hall, possibly with help from locals. The same day, a car bomb exploded in Kidal, killing two people. The fighting in Gao subsided after five Islamists were killed by Malian soldiers.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/02/201322120659992641.html|title=Renewed clashes break out in Mali|access-date=17 December 2014}}

On 22 February 2013, 13 Chadian soldiers and 65 Islamists were killed during heavy fighting in the northern mountains.{{cite news|title=Thirteen Chadian soldiers, 65 rebels killed in Mali: Chad army|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mali-rebels-chad-idUSBRE91M00420130223|work=Reuters|access-date=23 February 2013|date=23 February 2013}} The same day two suicide bombers crashed their cars into the MNLA's local operations center in the town of in Khalil, killing 5 people including 3 MNLA fighters and both bombers.{{cite news|title=Five killed in Islamist car bomb attacks in north Mali |url=https://news.yahoo.com/five-killed-islamist-car-bomb-attacks-north-mali-192116177.html;_ylt=A2KJ2UYQWyhRbFIA51rQtDMD |agency=Reuters |author=Cheick Diouara |access-date=23 February 2013 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

U. S. President Obama announced on 22 February 2013 that about 100 American troops had been sent to Niger, which borders Mali, to aid the French in Mali. The most recent U. S. troops were sent to help set up a new air base, from which to conduct surveillance against Al Qaeda. 40 U.S. Air Force logistics specialists, intelligence analysts and security officers arrived in the capital of Niger on 20 February 2013, bringing the total Americans deployed in Niger to 100.{{Cite news |last1=Schmitt |first1=Eric |last2=Sayare |first2=Scott |date=2013-02-22 |title=New Drone Base in Niger Builds U.S. Presence in Africa |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/23/world/africa/in-niger-us-troops-set-up-drone-base.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |issn=0362-4331}}

On 24 February, 28 Islamists and ten Chadian soldiers were killed while fighting in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains in Northern Mali.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.yahoo.com/ten-chadian-soldiers-killed-northern-mali-155956511.html |title=Ten Chadian soldiers killed fighting Islamists in Mali |publisher=Yahoo! |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227041511/http://news.yahoo.com/ten-chadian-soldiers-killed-northern-mali-155956511.html |archive-date=27 February 2013 }}

File:Soldats français à Gao2.PNG, March or April 2013]]

On 26 February, a car bomb exploded in Kidal targeting a MNLA checkpoint. At least 7 MNLA fighters along with the suicide bomber were killed in the attack.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-21595018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227175549/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21595018|url-status=live|title=Mali car bomb 'targets Tuareg checkpoint' in Kidal|work=BBC News|date=27 February 2013|archive-date=27 February 2013}}

On 20 March, AQIM claimed to have executed a French hostage in Mali, Phillipe Verdon, who had been kidnapped in 2011.{{cite web |agency=AFP |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/AlQaeda-says-French-hostage-killed-in-Mali/-/1066/1725270/-/mvrn4t/-/index.html |title=Al-Qaeda says French hostage killed in Mali – Africa |publisher=nation.co.ke |date=2011-11-24 |access-date=2014-02-11 |archive-date=22 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222120634/https://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/AlQaeda-says-French-hostage-killed-in-Mali/-/1066/1725270/-/mvrn4t/-/index.html |url-status=dead }}

On 23 March, Islamist fighters from MUJAO attacked the city of Gao, causing heavy fighting for two hours. The Malian army eventually repulsed this attack.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/03/20133243346420198.html|title=Fighting continues as rebels hit north Mali|access-date=17 December 2014}}

On 30 March, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a Malian army checkpoint in Timbuktu, allowing a group of jihadists to infiltrate by night. By 1 April, with the help of a French army detachment supported by war jets, the Malian army pushed the jihadists out of the city center.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/|title=BBC}}

On 29 April, a French paratrooper was killed by a roadside bomb in Northern Mali, the sixth French soldier to die in the conflict. Two others were seriously injured.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22346762 French soldier killed by northern Mali roadside bomb] – BBC News, 29 April 2013

On 28 February, Algerian television informed that Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, one of the three top men of AQIM and deemed responsible of several kidnappings of westerners in the Sahel in the 2000s, had been killed in battle against Franco-Chadian forces in the Tigharghar mountains along with about 40 of his followers, some kilometres away from Aguelhok. The information was neither confirmed nor denied by the French Army.{{cite news | url=http://www.algerie-focus.com/blog/2013/02/28/aqmi-lemir-lalgerien-abou-zeid-aurait-ete-neutralise-par-les-forces-francaises/ | title=AQMI: l'Emir l'Algérien Abou Zeïd aurait été neutralisé par les forces françaises | date=28 February 2013 | agency=Algerie-Focus | access-date=1 March 2013 | archive-date=4 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504235202/http://www.algerie-focus.com/blog/2013/02/28/aqmi-lemir-lalgerien-abou-zeid-aurait-ete-neutralise-par-les-forces-francaises/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite news |

url=http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/02/28/actualidad/1362085358_974646.html| title=Francia mata al terrorista que más occidentales secuestró en el Sahel | date=28 February 2013 | work=El País}}

On 2 March 2013, it was reported that Mokhtar Belmokhtar, mastermind of the In Amenas hostage crisis in which 800 hostages had been taken and 39 Westerners killed at an Algerian oil refinery, had been killed as well.{{Cite news |last=Nossiter |first=Adam |date=2013-03-02 |title=Chad Said to Have Killed Mastermind of Algerian Attack |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/world/africa/chad-claims-to-have-killed-algeria-hostage-crisis-mastermind.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |issn=0362-4331}} Chadian state television announced that "Chadian forces in Mali completely destroyed the main jihadist base in the Adrar de Ifhogas mountains... killing several terrorists including leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar", according to a BBC report.{{Cite news |date=2013-03-02 |title=Islamist militant Mokhtar Belmokhtar 'killed in Mali' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-21645769 |access-date=2023-02-21}} BBC correspondent Thomas Fessy said this would be a major blow if confirmed.

On 4 March 2013, Al Qaeda's North African branch confirmed the death of Abou Zeid, but denied that Belmokhtar had been killed.

Now that the bulk of the conflict is over and the need for extended military involvement is decreasing, France looks to the UN to take over with the peacekeeping force that had been suggested earlier in the conflict once it was a more stable situation.{{cite web|author=Madapolitics |url=http://madapolitics.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/transition-to-stability-in-mali |title=Transition to Stability in Mali | Madapolitics |publisher=Madapolitics.wordpress.com |date=2013-03-22 |access-date=2014-02-11}} The operation was termed MINUSMA.

On 3 December 2020, the UK government announced an increase in the British Army commitment to MINUSMA, with 300 soldiers principally drawn from the Light Dragoons and the Royal Anglian Regiment operating with 'a highly specialised reconnaissance capability'.{{Cite web|title=300 British troops deploy to Mali on UN Peacekeeping Mission|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/300-british-troops-deploy-to-mali-on-un-peacekeeping-mission|access-date=2021-01-19|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=United Kingdom Sends Troops to Mali|url=https://www.cfr.org/blog/united-kingdom-sends-troops-mali|access-date=2021-01-19|website=Council on Foreign Relations|language=en}}

On 14 April 2013, Chadian president Idriss Déby Itno announced the full withdrawal of Chadian Forces in Mali (FATIM), saying that face-to-face fighting with Islamists is over, and the Chadian army does not have the skills to fight a guerilla-style war. This announcement comes days after a suicide bomber killed four Chadian soldiers in Kidal, where 1,800 of its soldiers are currently stationed.{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=David |title=Chad says troops unsuited to guerrilla war, quitting Mali |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chad-mali/chad-says-troops-unsuited-to-guerrilla-war-quitting-mali-idUSBRE93D0C920130414 |access-date=5 January 2021 |work=Reuters |date=14 April 2013 |language=en}}

A peace deal between the government and Tuareg rebels was signed on 18 June 2013.

{{Missing information|section|the details of the events|date=April 2022}}{{Update section|date=August 2018}}

{{Main|Operation Barkhane}}

The MNLA ended the ceasefire in September of the same year after government forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. Following the attack, MNLA vice-president Mahamadou Djeri Maiga remarked: "What happened is a declaration of war. We will deliver this war. Wherever we find the Malian army we will launch the assault against them. It will be automatic. The warnings are over." One of the MNLA's founders, Attaye Ag Mohamed, was also quoted as saying that the "political and military wings of the Azawad" had declared "the lifting of the ceasefire with the central government".{{cite news|url= http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/11/mali-tuareg-fighters-end-ceasefire-2013113093234673103.html |title=Mali's Tuareg fighters end ceasefire|agency=Al-Jazeera|date=30 November 2013|access-date=28 December 2013}}{{cite news|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25161049 |title=Tuareg separatist group in Mali 'ends ceasefire' |agency=BBC |date=29 November 2013 |access-date=28 December 2013 |work=BBC News |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131202065114/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25161049 |archive-date=2 December 2013}}

{{Main|2nd Battle of Kidal|March 2015 Bamako shooting|November 2015 Bamako hotel attack|2016 Nampala attack}}

On 20 February, Germany and France announced the shipment of elements of the Franco-German brigade to Mali to help train Mali troops. This is the first deployment of EU troops in Africa (as an EU contingent).{{cite news|title=Franco-German brigade to boost Mali security|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/franco-german-brigade-boost-mali-security-2014219174951869198.html|date=20 February 2014}}

{{Main|2017 Gao bombing|June 2017 Bamako attack|Inkadogotane ambush}}

In the first half of 2018, there was an increase in rebel attacks. As of July 2018, northern Mali was largely out of government control. In July 2018, three British RAF Chinook helicopters were deployed to assist with logistics and troop movement, to reduce the risks of ground transportation.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/20/britain-risks-open-ended-conflict-mali-bid-protect-european/ |title=Britain risks 'open ended' conflict in Mali in bid to protect European security |last=Nicholls |first=Dominic |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=6 August 2018}}

On 1 November 2019, the IS-GS militants killed at least 50 soldiers in the 2019 Indelimane attack in the Ménaka Region of Mali.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/militants-kill-54-attack-mali-army-post-claims-responsibility-n1075721|title=Militants kill 54 in attack on Mali army post, ISIS claims responsibility|website=NBC News|date=3 November 2019 |accessdate=12 December 2019}}

On 13 February 2020, Mali government forces returned to Kidal after six years.{{cite news|url=https://malijet.co/nord-mali/mali-le-marche-de-kidal-incendie|title=Reconstituted Malian army returns to town of Kidal|date=13 February 2020|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=3 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403120329/http://malijet.co/nord-mali/mali-le-marche-de-kidal-incendie|url-status=dead}}

On 6 April, militants attacked a military base in the Gao town of Bamba, killing at least 25 Malian soldiers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/20-malian-soldiers-killed-attack-military-base-200406103504731.html|title=Dozens of Malian soldiers killed in attack on military base|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2020-04-07}} From 24 April–27 August, a series of attacks took place in Mopti Region.

{{see also|2021 Malian coup d'état|Operation Éclipse|Ménaka offensive|French military withdrawal from West Africa (2022–present)}}

A French-led counterinsurgency operation codenamed Operation Éclipse took part in January 2021, including a controversial French airstrike that killed 19 civilians taking part in a wedding.{{cite web |author= |date=31 March 2021 |title=French Strike in Mali Killed 19 Civilians in January: UN |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2021/03/31/un-report-french-strike-mali |website=The Defense Post |access-date=4 January 2025}}

In the first days of January 2022, after several months of rumors and negotiations, several hundred Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group were deployed in Mali, as well as soldiers from the Russian regular army in charge of logistics or serving as instructors. This deployment lead to strong protests from France, the United States and the Coordination of Movements of Azawad. Mali also asked for a revision of its defense agreements with France.{{Cite web |date=1 February 2022 |title=Tensions mount between Mali and France: How did we get here? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/1/mali-france-timeline-mounting-tensions |access-date= |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} For its part, ECOWAS adopted heavy sanctions on 9 January against the Malian junta.{{Cite web |date=9 January 2022 |title=West Africa bloc ECOWAS hits Mali with sanctions after poll delay |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/9/west-africa-bloc-ecowas-hits-mali-with-sanctions-after-poll-delay#:~:text=West%20Africa%E2%80%99s%20main%20regional%20bloc%20will%20close%20borders,a%202020%20military%20coup,%20the%20bloc%20has%20said. |access-date= |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 17 February, France, the European countries involved in Task Force Takuba and Canada officially announced their decision to withdraw their forces from Mali. French President Emmanuel Macron declared on this occasion: "We cannot remain militarily engaged alongside de facto authorities whose strategy or hidden objectives we share neither".{{Cite news |date=2022-02-17 |title=Mali conflict: Macron announces troops to leave after nine years |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60414003 |access-date= |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On 15 August 2022, French troops had fully withdrawn from Mali towards Niger, ending their presence in the country.

On 16 June 2023, the Malian junta requested that MINUSMA peacekeepers withdraw from Mali without delay.{{cite news |title=Mali asks United Nations to withdraw peacekeeping force |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-asks-united-nations-withdraw-peacekeeping-force-minusma-foreign-minister-2023-06-16/ |access-date=19 September 2023 |work=Reuters |date=16 June 2023}} On 30 June 2023, the UN Security Council approved the request for the removal of peacekeepers.{{cite news |title=UN in Mali: We respect government's decision for mission withdrawal |url=https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/july-2023/un-mali-we-respect-government%E2%80%99s-decision-mission-withdrawal |access-date=19 September 2023 |agency=africarenewal |date=6 July 2023}} On 25 January 2024, the junta formally announced the termination of the 2015 Algiers peace agreement following months of growing hostilities with Tuareg rebels, citing the alleged refusal by rebel groups to comply with its terms and "acts of hostility" by Algeria.{{cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Baba |url=https://apnews.com/article/mali-tuareg-rebel-peace-agreement-ac674f2b3afe41b4ec52aa6790347fdb |title=Mali ends crucial peace deal with rebels, raising concerns about a possible escalation in violence |work=Associated Press |date=26 January 2024 |access-date=26 January 2024}}

In response to the alleged refusal by the Malian junta to implement the Algiers agreement with the Tuareg rebels, the main groups that make up the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) – the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, the Arab Movement of Azawad, and the High Council for the Unity of Azawad – withdrew from peace talks.{{Cite web|title=Mali: Armed groups pull out of peace talks|url=https://www.dw.com/en/mali-armed-groups-pull-out-of-peace-talks/a-64192522|access-date=2023-04-13|website=DW News|language=en}} They later merged into one group.

The CMA claimed that, on 11 August 2023, they repulsed an attack by the Malian army and Wagner Group forces in Ber. The Malian army, meanwhile, claimed that it had incurred six losses when repulsing an attack on its positions by "terrorists". It was believed that fighting was still ongoing in Ber by 13 August, and MINUSMA announced that it had "expedited its withdrawal from Ber due to the deteriorating security".{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-peacekeepers-speed-up-northern-mali-withdrawal-separatists-accuse-army-attack-2023-08-13/|title=UN peacekeepers speed up northern Mali withdrawal as separatists accuse army of attack|date=2023-08-13|access-date=2023-08-13|work=Reuters}}{{Cite news|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/08/12/Tuareg-former-rebels-say-forces-attacked-by-Mali-army-Russian-group-Wagner|title=Tuareg former rebels say forces attacked by Mali army, Russian group Wagner|work=Al Arabiya English|date=2023-08-12|access-date=2023-08-12}}

On 9 September 2023, CMA rebels claimed to have shot down the Malian airforce's only SU-25; visual evidence confirmed the loss of the SU-25 with the registration number TZ-25C.{{cite news |title=Last remaining Malian air force Sukhoi Su-25 aircraft crash |url=https://www.military.africa/2023/09/last-remaining-malian-air-force-sukhoi-su-25-aircraft-crash/ |access-date=19 September 2023 |agency=Military Africa |date=11 September 2023}} On the same day JNIM also claimed to have shot down a Mi-8 helicopter operated by PMC Wagner; visual evidence published by the group confirms the helicopter's destruction.{{cite news |title=An Mi-8 helicopter carrying soldiers from the Wagner PMC was shot down in Mali. |url=http://avia-pro.net/news/v-mali-sbit-vertolyot-mi-8-na-bortu-kotorogo-nahodilis-boycy-chvk-vagner |access-date=19 September 2023 |agency=Avia |date=15 September 2023}}

On 11 September 2023, the CMA declared itself to be at "war" with the junta.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title=Sahel: Army-Tuareg war reignites in north Mali |url=https://north-africa.com/sahel-army-tuareg-war-reignites-in-north-mali/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=The North Africa Journal |language=en-US}} It made this communication from what it claimed to be the first press release of the "Azawadian National Army", and called on civilians to "contribute to the war effort with the aim of defending and protecting the homeland, and thus regaining control of the entire Azawadian national territory".{{Cite web |date=2023-09-12 |title=Mali: ex-CMA rebels say they are "in wartime" with the junta |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/12/mali-ex-cma-rebels-say-they-are-in-wartime-with-the-junta/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Africanews |language=en}} The next day, 12 September, the Permanent Strategic Framework (CSP), a coalition of rebels who signed the 2015 Algiers peace agreement, claimed to have briefly seized the town of Bourem and the military camp there from Mali's military and Wagner mercenaries after weeks of fighting, holding the town for some time before withdrawing.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title=Mali peace deal under threat following increase in attacks by armed Tuareg groups |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20230913-mali-faces-an-increase-of-tuareg-armed-groups-attacks-in-the-north |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=RFI |language=en}} The CMA claimed that it lost 9 fighters while killing 97 Malian soldiers, while the junta claimed that it lost 10 soldiers for 47 enemy fighters, although neither allegation could be confirmed.{{Cite web |last=Diallo |first=Tiemoko |date=2023-09-13 |title=Malian army and northern rebels report dozens killed in clashes |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-rebels-claim-control-northern-military-camp-2023-09-12/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Reuters |language=en}} The recent flareups in fighting were in light of MINUMSA's withdrawal from the area.{{Cite web |last=Diallo |first=Tiemoko |date=2023-09-15 |title=Conflict in Northern Mali Resumes Amid UN Withdrawal |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/conflict-in-northern-mali-resumes-amid-un-withdrawal/7269867.html |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=VOA |language=en}} On 19 September, the CMA said they had taken control of two military camps in Lere and shot down an army plane.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/19/five-soldiers-dead-eleven-others-missing-after-attack-in-northern-mali |title=Five soldiers dead, eleven others missing after attack in northern Mali |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

During September 2023, four Malian aircraft, including the only Su-25, a Mi-8MT, and a L-39C light attack aircraft were shot down by CMA fighters. An L-39C was also captured by CMA combatants.

On 30 September 2023, the Permanent Strategic Framework claimed responsibility for an attack in Dioura, saying that they captured the military base there after two hours of fighting. Mali admitted that its base there had been attacked.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-29 |title=Mali: les rebelles du CSP attaquent et se retirent du camp militaire de Dioura |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20230929-mali-les-rebelles-du-csp-attaquent-et-se-retirent-du-camp-militaire-de-dioura |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=RFI |language=fr}} The rebels initially claimed to have killed 98 soldiers and taken five prisoner for seven deaths of their own fighters, while Mali's military never specified any details apart from the attacks' confirmation. The rebels later revised the death toll for the Malian soldiers to 81. The attack was the furthest south that the rebels have operated since the resurgence in violence.{{Cite web |title=Mali Separatists Claim Deadly Attack Against Army |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/mali-separatists-claim-deadly-attack-against-army-d7ac24 |access-date=2023-10-01 |agency=Agence France-Presse |website=www.barrons.com |language=en-US}}

The CMA claimed on 1 October 2023 that they had seized the military base at Bamba, with the Malian government claiming that combat with terrorists was ongoing there.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-01 |title=Mali Tuareg rebels claim military base following clashes on Sunday |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-tuareg-rebels-claim-military-base-following-clashes-sunday-2023-10-01/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Reuters |language=en}}

On 4 October 2023, the CMA claimed to have seized another Malian army base, this time at Taoussa, with no immediate response from the Malian army – the attack became the fifth rebel offensive during the renewed fighting.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Mali's northern rebels claim control of military camp |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/malis-northern-rebels-claim-control-military-camp-2023-10-04/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=Reuters |language=en}}

The Malian army official stated in early October that, "as part of the reorganisation of [their] arrangements in the north", the army was beginning a deployment of military forces in the direction of Kidal, a city still controlled by the CMA.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=Mali redeploys troops to northeastern rebel stronghold |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20231002-mali-redeploys-troops-to-northeastern-rebel-stronghold |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=France 24 |language=en}} Its primary destinations were to be, specifically, the localities of Tessalit and Aguelhok, towns that still maintain MINUSMA military bases within them.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-04 |title=Mali: army and rebels move closer to a crucial confrontation |url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/10/04/mali-army-and-rebels-move-closer-to-a-crucial-confrontation/ |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=Africanews |language=en}} Clashes between the Malian army and the rebels erupted around Anefif on 6 October, with both sides claiming to control the town at the end of the day.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=New clashes erupt between the Malian military and separatist rebels as a security crisis deepens |url=https://apnews.com/article/mali-kidal-rebels-tuareg-coup-azawad-df865b992940d122384e7229ee038831 |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=AP News |language=en}} Later, a CSP spokesman said that the Malian army controlled Anefif. The Malian army also has said that it expects the MINUSMA base in Kidal to be handed over to the army soon.{{Cite web |title=Mali Junta Plans Takeover Of Key UN Camp In Rebel North |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/mali-junta-plans-takeover-of-key-un-camp-in-rebel-north-b596bd61 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=www.barrons.com |agency=Agence France-Presse |language=en-US}}

Ben Bella of the CMA claimed that fighters from Niger, Algeria, and Libya were coming to help them in the conflict, while a Nigerien rebel leader called on fighters to "join them [the rebels] on the front line".{{Cite web |date=2023-10-08 |title=Mali crisis: Life in Timbuktu and Gao under siege by Islamist fighters |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67027659 |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On November 15, the Malian army, supported by Russian mercenary forces, captured the rebel stronghold of Kidal. The seizure of this stronghold is a major victory for the junta and could signal a turning point in the war.{{cite web | url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/15/mali-understanding-the-recovery-of-kidal/ | title=Mali: Understanding the recovery of Kidal | date=15 November 2023 }}

On 20 December 2023, the CSP announced a blockade of all roads leading to the borders with Mauritania, Algeria, and Niger.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Separatist Tuaregs Announce Blockade in Northern Mali |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/separatist-tuaregs-announce-blockade-in-northern-mali-/7406690.html |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Voice of America |language=en}} However, the rebels' announcement has been met with a degree of skepticism. Critics suggest that this could be a propagandistic effort by the separatists to divert attention from their territorial losses.{{citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=Removed unreliable source}} Tuareg rebels announced the death of a high-ranking rebel official, Hassan Ag Fagaga, from a drone strike on 22 December.{{Cite web |title=Leading Mali Rebel Figure Killed In Drone Strike |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/leading-mali-rebel-figure-killed-in-drone-strike-a6c97ea4 |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=www.barrons.com |agency=Agence France-Presse |language=en-US}} On 25 December, Malian army successfully recaptured the town of Aguelhok, which they had lost in 2012. Tessalit was also recaptured by Malian army in December.{{Cite tweet |number=1739289431507419606 |user=rybar_force |title=🇲🇱 A month and a half after the withdrawal of MINUSMA troops from Aguelhok, the village was returned to the control of the Malian Armed Forces. The Government of Mali now has full control of the road from Anefis to Tessalit. [...]}}

On 9 February 2024, Wagner and Malian forces captured the Intahaka mine in Gao region.{{Cite news|title=Weekly assessment of sahel war|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/salafi-jihadi-movement-weekly-update-february-15-2024-wagner-strikes-gold-mali-and-al|access-date=2024-02-20|website=ISW}}

On 29 April 2024, it was reported that Abu Huzeifa, a commander for a Sahelian affiliate of Islamic State (ISGS) was killed during an operation in Menaka region by Malian army. He was involved in Tongo Tongo ambush which killed four U.S. soldiers and four Nigerien soldiers in neighbouring Niger.{{Cite news|title=Mali Forces Kill Senior Figure in Islamic State Affiliate|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-04-29/mali-forces-kill-senior-figure-in-islamic-state-affiliate|access-date=2024-05-01|website=us news}}

On 30 April 2024, in an ambush planned by jihadists, ten pro-Government militiamen were killed outside Gao.{{Cite news|title=Jihadists Kill 10 Pro-Government Militiamen in North Mali|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/04/30/jihadist-attack-militiamen-mali/|access-date=2024-05-01|website=defense post}}

On 3 July 2024, an attack by jihadists in a village in central Mali killed about 40 civilians.{{Cite news|title=Dozens killed in attack on village in central Mali|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/3/dozens-killed-in-attack-on-village-in-central-mali|access-date=2024-07-04|website=Al-jazeera}}

On 24 July 2024, the Malian army and Wagner forces captured the town of In-Afarak, near the Algerian border, from CMA rebels, but the settlement was recaptured by the rebels days later.{{Cite news|title=Mali: Strategic withdrawal of In-Afarak rebels|url=https://www.dw.com/fr/mali-in-afarak-groupes-armes-groupes-djihadistes-nord-mali-kidal-tessalit/a-69745250|access-date=2024-07-26|website=DW news}}

On 27 July 2024, Tuareg rebels claimed to have killed dozens of Malian and Wagner group soldiers in an ambush near the settlement of Tinzaouaten. They also shot down a helicopter, which crashed near Kidal. Reports from pro-Russian bloggers suggest that about 50–60 soldiers including 20 Wagner soldiers were killed in the ambush. The rebels announced that they suffered 7 deaths and 12 injuries in the fighting.{{Cite news|title=Mali rebels say they killed and injured dozens of soldiers, Wagner mercenaries in fighting|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-rebels-say-they-killed-injured-dozens-soldiers-wagner-mercenaries-fighting-2024-07-27/|access-date=2024-07-28|website=Reuters}}

On 17 August 2024, an attack by JNIM militants killed about 15 Malian soldiers. Malian soldiers also fired back causing unknown militant casualties in the Mopti region, near the town of Diallassagou.{{Cite news|title=Mali: Deadly Clashes Between Army and Jihadists in Mopti Region|url=https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/17/mali-deadly-clashes-between-army-and-jihadists-in-mopti-region/|access-date=2024-08-29|website=africa news}}

On 20 August 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger wrote to the United Nations Security Council, complaining about Ukraine's support for rebel groups in the Sahel region.{{Cite news|title=West African juntas write to UN over Ukraine's alleged rebel support|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/west-african-juntas-write-un-over-ukraines-alleged-rebel-support-2024-08-21/|access-date=2024-08-21|website=Reuters}}

On 27 August 2024, an alleged drone strike by the Malian army killed about 21 civilians in Tinzaouaten.{{Cite news|title=Twenty-one civilians killed in Mali drone strikes: Separatist group|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/26/twenty-one-civilians-killed-in-mali-drone-strikes-separatist-group|access-date=2024-08-29|website=Al-jazeera}}

On 17 September 2024, JNIM militants attacked a military training school and airport in the capital Bamako, killing more than 77 people and injuring 255 others. Among the dead were army personnel. At least 20 militants were captured.{{Cite news|title=Al-Qaeda-linked group says it was behind Mali attack|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8d996x1r0o.amp|access-date=2024-09-18|website=BBC}}{{Cite web |title=Jihadist Attacks In Mali Capital Killed More Than 70: Security Sources |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/jihadist-attacks-in-mali-capital-killed-more-than-70-security-sources-6d48c70a |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=Barron's |language=en}}

On 1 December 2024, seven senior members of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) were killed in drone strikes by the Malian army, including Fahad Ag Almahmoud, a dissident of the Self-Defense Group of Imghads and Allies (Gatia), whose allies (Gatia) support the Malian junta.{{Cite web |title=Afrique Mali: frappes de drone à Tinzaouatène après la création d'une nouvelle coalition séparatiste |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20241202-mali-frappes-de-drone-%C3%A0-tinzaouat%C3%A8ne-apr%C3%A8s-la-cr%C3%A9ation-d-une-nouvelle-coalition-s%C3%A9paratiste |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=RFI |language=fr}}

On 1 April 2025, the Algerian defense systems shot down a Malian Air Force Bayraktar Akinci drone near Tinzaouaten.{{Cite web |last=Africa |first=Military |date=2025-04-01 |title=Algeria shoot down Mali’s newly acquired Akinci Drone |url=https://www.military.africa/2025/04/algeria-shoot-down-malis-newly-acquired-akinci-drone/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=Military Africa |language=en-US}}

On 23 May 2025, an attack by JNIM militants occurred in Dioura, where they temporarily took control of the nearby military base. During the attack, 41 soldiers died.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-27 |title=Mali: les jihadistes du Jnim déciment le camp militaire de Dioura |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20250526-mali-les-jihadistes-du-jnim-d%C3%A9ciment-le-camp-militaire-de-dioura?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=x&utm_source=user&utm_slink=rfi.my%2FBhfU |website=RFI |language=fr}}

On 1 June 2025, JNIM militants attacked and took control of a Malian army base in Boulkessi. Around 30 Malian soldiers died before they retreated.{{cite web |last1=Ewokor |first1=Chris |last2=Macaulay |first2=Cecilia |title=Al-Qaeda linked group says it carried out huge attack on Mali's army |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g3exnnd6po |website=BBC |access-date=2 June 2025 |date=2 June 2025}}

On 2 June 2025, JNIM attacked an army camp and airport in Timbuktu.{{Cite web |date=2025-06-02|title=Al-Qaida affiliate attacks Mali army bases as junta struggles to contain jihadist threat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/02/al-qaida-affiliate-attacks-mali-army-bases-junta-jihadist-threat |website=Guardian |access-date=2025-06-03}}{{Cite web |date=2025-06-02|title=Militants attack Mali army camp in Timbuktu, sources say |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250602-militants-attack-mali-army-camp-in-timbuktu-sources-say |website=France 24 |access-date=2025-06-02}}{{Cite web |date=2025-06-02|title=Mali army camp in Timbuktu under attack: residents and officials |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603091/world |website=Arab News |access-date=2025-06-02}} Residents reported hearing gunfire, and the airport was also shelled.{{Cite web |date=2025-06-02|title=Mali army camp and airport in Timbuktu targeted in attack|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mali-army-camp-airport-timbuktu-143848375.html?|website=Yahoo News |access-date=2025-06-02}} An official estimated the death toll of around 40 soldiers.{{cite web |title=Mali : la stratégie militaire de Bamako mise à l’épreuve par le JNIM |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/monde/mali/mali-les-djihadistes-a-loffensive-au-sahel-e9e5bb60-4078-11f0-8e2a-4849b47199cd |website=Le Pointe |access-date=3 June 2025 |language=French |date=3 June 2025}}

On 3 June 2025 the Malian Armed Forces launched airstrikes on terrorist postions in Diafarabé, Mopti region and Niagassadou, Douentza region, claiming to have caused heavy losses and disrupting terrorist plans.{{cite web |last1=Diop |first1=Alioune |title=Mali : une semaine de violences djihadistes culminant avec l’attaque de ce jour à Tessit |url=https://www.afrik.com/mali-une-semaine-de-violences-djihadistes-culminant-avec-l-attaque-de-ce-jour-a-tessit |website=Afrik.com |access-date=5 June 2025 |language=French |date=4 June 2025}}

On 3 June 2025, JNIM attacked militiamen between the cities of Soumabougou and Saoura, killing at least 23 militiamen.{{cite web |last1=Web |first1=Charlie |title=Yesterday, JNIM militants - likely Katiba Macina - attacked the Dan na ambassagou militiamen between Soumabougou and Saoura. |url=https://x.com/WerbCharlie/status/1930383137055408501 |access-date=5 June 2025}}

On 4 June 2025, terrorists, alleged to be ISGS, attacked an army camp in Tessit, Gao Region.{{cite web |last1=Sarr |first1=Antoine |title=Mali : Attaque contre le camp militaire de Tessit au nord du pays |url=https://senego.com/mali-attaque-contre-le-camp-militaire-de-tessit-au-nord-du-pays_1845474.html |website=Senego |access-date=5 June 2025 |language=French |date=4 June 2025}} Local sources claimed that the camp was overran by the terrorists.{{cite web |title=Mali: le Jnim revendique l'attaque d'une localité limitrophe de Bamako |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/en-bref/20250604-mali-le-jnim-revendique-l-attaque-d-une-localit%C3%A9-limitrophe-de-bamako |website=RFI |access-date=5 June 2025 |date=4 June 2025}}

{{See also|Casualty recording|Mali attacks}}

2012 fatalities – 133.{{cite web|url=http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/interstitial/volver/acierto/internacional/noticias/4328135/10/12/Los-combates-en-la-frontera-entre-Sudan-y-Sudan-del-Sur-causaron-633-muertos.html|title=Los combates en la frontera entre Sudán y Sudán del Sur causan 633 muertos|date=17 October 2012}}{{verify source|date=October 2013}}

2013 fatalities 9+:

:September Timbuktu bombing – 2 civilians and 4 bombers killed.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/al-qaida-claims-mali-suicide-car-bomb-that-killed-two-chadian-peacekeepers-1.1246694 |title=Al Qaida claims Mali suicide car bomb that killed two Chadian peacekeepers |publisher=Gulf News |date=2013-10-24 |access-date=2014-01-02}}

:23 October – civilians and 2 peacekeepers killed.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24658349 |title=UN and French forces in 'large-scale' operation in Mali |work=BBC News |date=2013-10-24 |access-date=2014-01-02}}

On 17 January, a Chadian MINUSMA peacekeeper was killed in an attack on a French-UN camp in Kidal.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2015/01/un-peacekeeper-killed-mali-base-attack-20151179551690849.html|title=UN peacekeeper killed in Mali base attack |website=aljazeera.com |access-date=26 July 2017}}

On 11 June, a car bomb killed four Chadian peacekeepers in Aguelhok.{{cite news|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/mali/suicide-bomber-kills-four-chadian-un-peacekeepers-mali|title=Suicide Bomber Kills Four Chadian UN Peacekeepers|work=reliefweb.int|access-date=18 May 2017}}

On 18 September, five Chadian MINUSMA peacekeepers were killed by a land mine. The Chadian government described the incident as "discriminatory" and said its soldiers were being used as "shields".{{cite news|last=Daniel|first=Serge|url=https://news.yahoo.com/chad-accuses-un-using-troops-shield-mali-213019347.html|title=Chad accuses UN of using its troops as 'shield' in Mali|work=Yahoo News|date=20 September 2014}} On 23 October, two Chadian peacekeepers were killed in an attack in Tessalit.{{cite news|url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/103087|title=Two Chadian Soldiers, Civilian Killed in Mali Bombing |work=naharnet.com |date=23 October 2013}}

On 5 May 2017, a rocket hit a MINUMSA base killing a Liberian soldier and injuring 7 other soldiers, including several Liberians and a Swedish soldier.

On 18 June, Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin Islamists attacked a luxury resort in Bamako killing 5 people, including one Portuguese soldier. 6 attackers were also killed in the shooting and hostage-taking.

On 26 July 2017, 2 German pilots died in a helicopter-crash.{{Cite book |doi = 10.5771/9783748900740-71|chapter = Military Engagement of the US, France, and Germany in the Sahel. Towards liberal peace by post-modern intervention?|title = Sicherheits- und Friedensordnungen in Afrika|year = 2019|last1 = Ehrhart|first1 = Hans- Georg|pages = 71–90|isbn = 978-3-7489-0074-0|s2cid = 182054184}}

In a surge of attacks during October–November, over 100 Mali soldiers were killed. The attacks increased political discontent towards the government from the military community. The attacks also increased discontent towards the French peacekeeping forces located in the central part of the country. In response to the attacks, the military abandoned isolated outposts in the north.{{cite news |author1=Baba Ahmed |title=Mali's military abandons isolated outposts amid attacks |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/malis-military-abandons-isolated-outposts-amid-attacks/2019/11/16/1ef61636-0855-11ea-ae28-7d1898012861_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116121323/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/malis-military-abandons-isolated-outposts-amid-attacks/2019/11/16/1ef61636-0855-11ea-ae28-7d1898012861_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2019 |access-date=16 November 2019 |publisher=Washington Post / Associated Press |date=16 November 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Jason |title=Jihadists kill scores of soldiers in Mali attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/02/dozens-killed-in-mali-jihadist-attack |access-date=16 November 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=2 November 2019}}{{cite news |author1= |title=Islamic State group claims responsibility for Mali attack |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/islamic-state-group-claims-responsibility-mali-attack-67191081?cid=clicksource_4380645_null_headlines_hed |access-date=21 November 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=The Associated Press |date=21 November 2019}}

In February 2020, HRW documented atrocities against civilians in Central Mali and said that at least 456 civilians were killed, while hundreds were injured from January 2019 until November. The rights organization also cited that it interviewed 147 victims, ethnic communities and security and justice officials.{{cite journal|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2020/02/10/how-much-more-blood-must-be-spilled/atrocities-against-civilians-central-mali-2019|title=How Much More Blood Must Be Spilled?|access-date=27 March 2020|website=HRW|date=10 February 2020|archive-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401130127/https://www.hrw.org/report/2020/02/10/how-much-more-blood-must-be-spilled/atrocities-against-civilians-central-mali-2019|url-status=dead}}

On 6 April 2020, an attack on a military camp in Mali left at least 23 dead, while several others injured. The Malian News Agency reported that the incident was carried out by unidentified gunmen, who took away the military equipment and also burned the camp.{{cite news|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/attack-on-army-camp-leaves-23-dead-in-northern-mali/1794411|title=Attack on army camp leaves 23 dead in northern Mali|access-date=6 April 2020|website=Anadolu Agency}} In July 2020, the France 24 reported that unidentified gunmen opened fire on civilians on multiple villages of Mali and killed at least 31 civilians and 9 soldiers who returned fire, all within a week's time.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200703-at-least-thirty-villagers-massacred-in-central-mali-terror-attacks |title=At least thirty villagers massacred in central Mali terror attacks| access-date=3 July 2020|website=France 24|date=3 July 2020}}

To date over 600,000 have been displaced by this conflict.{{cite news |last1=Giannangeli |first1=Marco |title=Britain 'sleepwalking' into deadly conflict in war-torn West Africa |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1354747/british-army-mali-west-africa-troops-war-terrorism-royal-anglian-light-dragoons-al-qaeda |access-date=30 November 2020 |publisher=express.co.uk |date=1 November 2020}}

On 17 March, at least 33 soldiers are killed and 14 others are wounded in an attack on a military post in Gao, Mali.{{Cite web|title=Attackers on trucks and motorbikes raid Mali base, kill 33 troops|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/17/at-least-33-killed-in-northern-mali-attack|access-date=2021-03-18|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}

On 4 July, four Malian soldiers were killed in an ambush on their patrol near the town of Léré. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, which came as France resumed joint military exercises with members of the Malian Armed Forces, which had been suspended following the coup d'état that year led by Colonel Assimi Goïta.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-says-four-soldiers-killed-ambush-by-suspected-militants-2021-07-04/ |title=Mali says four soldiers killed in ambush by suspected militants |website=Reuters |date=4 July 2021 }}

On 31 December 2021, Mali's army announced 8 soldiers had died and 7 had been wounded during an attack in Sahel on the previous day (30 December 2021). They also said 31 assailants were also killed but did not identify the group.{{Cite web|title=Mali says attack left eight soldiers dead, in new toll|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/Africa/News/mali-says-attack-left-eight-soldiers-dead-in-new-toll-20211231|access-date=2021-12-31|website=News24|language=en-US}}

On 22 January 2022, a French soldier was killed and nine were injured in a mortar attack on Barkhane military camp in Gao, northern Mali.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220123-french-soldier-killed-in-mortar-attack-on-military-camp-in-gao-mali|title=French soldier killed in attack on military camp in northern Mali|work=France24|date=23 January 2022 }}

In March 2022, government forces set siege to the town of Mourrah. According to Human Rights Watch, over 300 civilians were massacred.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-05 |title=Mali: Massacre by Army, Foreign Soldiers |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/05/mali-massacre-army-foreign-soldiers |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=Human Rights Watch |language=en}}

On 1 June 2022, one Jordanian peacekeeper, Ali Aljawabrah Jumah Ali, was killed in the town of Kidal in northern Mali.{{cite web|url=https://press.un.org/en/2023/org1730.doc.htm#:~:text=On%201%20June%202022%2C%20Ali,of%20Kidal%20in%20northern%20Mali. | title=At Least 32 Peacekeeping, Associated Personnel Killed in Malicious Attacks during 2022, United Nations Staff Union President Says | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases }}

Dozens were killed in the 7 September 2023 attacks in north east Mali.{{Cite news |last=Peltier |first=Elian |date=2023-09-08 |title=Islamists Kill Dozens of Civilians and Soldiers in Two Attacks in Mali |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/world/africa/mali-islamist-attack-ferry-soldiers.html |access-date=2023-09-08 |issn=0362-4331}}

In July 2024, Coordination of Azawad Movements and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal-Muslimin militants killed dozens of Russian mercenaries and Malian government forces.{{Cite web |last1=Lister |first1=Tim |last2=Schmitz |first2=Avery |last3=Tarasova |first3=Darya |date=2024-07-29 |title=Dozens of Russian mercenaries killed in rebel ambush in Mali, in their worst known loss in Africa |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/29/africa/russian-mercenaries-wagner-killed-mali-intl-latam/index.html |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: The identities of Wagner mercenaries lost in a Mali ambush revealed |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/wagner-lost-veteran-fighters-mali-ambush-setback-russias-africa-campaign-2024-09-11/}}

On 17 September 2024, al-Qaeda linked JNIM militants attacked several places in Bamako, killing more than 77 people and injuring 255 others.{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Attack by al-Qaeda linked group in Mali killed more than 70 people |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/20/attack-by-al-qaeda-linked-group-in-mali-killed-more-than-70-people |access-date=September 20, 2024 |publisher=Al Jazeera English |language=en}}

{{Further|International Criminal Court investigation in Mali}}

Following several reports of abuse from both sides, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court opened a case investigating war crimes in Mali on 16 January 2013. This case is the quickest any ICC investigation has begun after foreign military intervention.{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Alison|title=Mali and the ICC: what lessons can be learned from previous investigations?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/law/2013/jan/17/mali-icc-lessons-learned-investigations|access-date=19 January 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 January 2013|location=London}}

In May 2012, Amnesty International released a report stating that the conflict had created Mali's worst human rights situation since 1960. The organization stated that fighters with the MNLA and Ansar Dine were "running riot" in Mali's north,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/16/mali-rebels-instability-violence?newsfeed=true |title=Mali rebels face backlash after months of instability and violence |author=Afua Hirsch |date=15 May 2012 |work=The Guardian |access-date=16 May 2012 |location=London}} and documented instances of gang rape, extrajudicial executions, and the use of child soldiers by both Tuareg and Islamist groups.{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mali-s-worst-human-rights-situation-50-years-2012-05-15 |title=Mali's worst human rights situation in 50 years |date=16 May 2012 |publisher=Amnesty International |access-date=16 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516004238/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/mali-s-worst-human-rights-situation-50-years-2012-05-15 |archive-date=16 May 2012 }}

On 3 April 2012, armed groups looted 2,354 tons of food from United Nations' World Food Programme's warehouses in Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, causing the WFP to suspend its food distribution operations in northern Mali.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jZ9grPfu0TWqNu4VZE6rRlTWKRCA?docId=CNG.18f2de9d4c145d61a54efeb26eb8e9ae.131 |title=UN Council Hammers out Condemnation of Mali Conflict |date=3 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201201303/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jZ9grPfu0TWqNu4VZE6rRlTWKRCA?docId=CNG.18f2de9d4c145d61a54efeb26eb8e9ae.131 |archive-date=1 February 2013 }} Other targets of looting included hospitals, hotels, government offices, Oxfam offices and the offices and warehouses of other unnamed aid groups.{{cite news|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/wfp-suspends-some-operations-in-mali-after-food-aid-looted |title=WFP suspends some operations in Mali after food aid looted |author=George Fominyen |date=3 April 2012 |publisher=alert.net |agency=Reuters |access-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418204956/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/wfp-suspends-some-operations-in-mali-after-food-aid-looted/ |archive-date=18 April 2012 }} The WFP also stated that 200,000 had so far fled the fighting, predicting that the number would rise.{{cite news|url=http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Mali+flee+fighting+World+Food+Programme+suspends+north/6402495/story.html |title=Mali: 200,000 flee fighting, UN World Food Programme suspends aid in north |date=3 April 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=3 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406024842/http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Mali+flee+fighting+World+Food+Programme+suspends+north/6402495/story.html |archive-date=6 April 2012 }}

File:Ansar Dine Rebels - VOA.jpg]]

Ansar el Dine also blocked a humanitarian convoy bringing medical and food aid from reaching Timbuktu on 15 May, objecting to the presence of women in the welcoming committee set up by city residents;{{cite news|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/islamists-block-first-mali-aid-convoy-to-timbuktu/ |title=Islamists block first Mali aid convoy to Timbuktu |date=15 May 2012 |agency=Reuters |access-date=16 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517064920/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/islamists-block-first-mali-aid-convoy-to-timbuktu/ |archive-date=17 May 2012 }} after negotiations, the convoy was released on the following day.{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-malibre84e13o-20120515,0,2786860.story |title=Mali Islamists to let first aid convoy enter Timbuktu |date=15 May 2012 |work=The Chicago Tribune |agency=Reuters |access-date=16 May 2012 }}{{dead link|date=March 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The group reportedly banned video games, Malian and Western music, bars, and football in Gao and ransacked alcohol-serving establishments in both Gao and Kidal. Islamist forces were also reported to have intervened against looters and ordered women to wear head scarves. The CNRDR's spokesman Amadou Konare claimed that "women and girls have been kidnapped and raped by the new occupants who are laying down their own law." The anti-slavery organization Temedt claims that ex-slaves were the first targeted for punishment by Islamist forces and that former masters have used the violence to recapture ex-slaves.{{cite news|last=Tran|first=Mark|title=Mali conflict puts freedom of 'slave descendants' in peril|newspaper=The Guardian|date=23 October 2012|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2012/oct/23/mali-conflict-freedom-slave-descendants-peril|access-date=24 November 2012|location=London}}

On 29 July 2012, a couple was stoned to death by Islamists in Aguelhok for having children outside of marriage. An official reported that many people left the town for Algeria following the incident.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/world/africa/couple-stoned-to-death-by-islamists-in-mali.html |title=Islamists in North Mali Stone Couple to Death |author=Adam Nossiter |date=30 January 2012 |work=The New York Times |access-date=30 July 2012}} On 9 August, Islamist militants chopped off the hand of an alleged thief in the town of Ansongo, despite a crowd pleading with the militants for mercy.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19195985 |title=Mali 'thief's' hand amputated by Islamists in Ansongo |date=9 August 2012 |work=BBC News |access-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809182025/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19195985 |archive-date=9 August 2012 }}

During the conflict, Islamists also damaged or destroyed a number of historical sites on the grounds that they said were idolatrous, particularly in Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On 4 May 2012, Ansar Dine members reportedly burned the tomb of a Sufi saint.{{cite news |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/05/world/africa/mali-heritage-sites/index.html?hpt=hp_t3 |title=Rebels burn Timbuktu tomb listed as U.N. World Heritage site |date=6 May 2012 |publisher=CNN |access-date=4 May 2012}} In late June, Islamists attacked several more sites in Timbuktu with pickaxes and shovels.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18657463 |title=Timbuktu shrines damaged by Mali Ansar Dine Islamists |date=30 July 2012 |work=BBC News |archive-date=14 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114024534/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18657463 |access-date=28 August 2012}}

On 28 January 2013, as French-led Malian troops captured the airport of the World Heritage town of Timbuktu, the Ahmed Baba Institute, host of priceless ancient manuscripts, was razed by fleeing Islamists.{{cite news |url=http://www.debka.com/newsupdate/3563/ |title=Fleeing Islamists burn priceless Timbuktu library |publisher=Debka |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129061700/http://debka.com/newsupdate/3563/ |archive-date=29 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

The Tuaregs and Arabs who lived in Bamako and elsewhere in southern Mali were subjects of a rash of ethnic attacks by black Malians, despite many of them being hostile to Azawad separatism as well as the Islamists. In fact, a large part of them actually had only recently arrived to the government-held south, fleeing the violence in the north.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18057916 |title=Mali coup: Tuaregs tell of ethnic attacks |date=17 May 2012 |work=BBC News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830015611/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18057916 |archive-date=30 August 2012 }}

An incident arose on 8 September 2012 when a group of Malian soldiers detained 17 unarmed Tablighi preachers from Mauritania in Dogofry, north-east of Diabaly, while en route to a religious conference in Bamako and executed all but one of them without reporting to their own command. The Malian government expressed its condolences for the event, which Associated Press considered a symptom of the disintegration of discipline and command in the Malian Army as a result of the 21 March Coup.{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/massacre-preachers-mali-sign-broken-army |title=Massacre of preachers in Mali sign of broken army |work=The Big Story |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217222733/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/massacre-preachers-mali-sign-broken-army |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}

On 19 January 2013, Human Rights Watch report killings and other human rights abuses committed by the Malian army in the central Malian town of Niono. Tuaregs and Arabs were especially targeted.{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/19/human-rights-watch-mali-army-killing-civilians_n_2511680.html|title=Human Rights Watch: Mali's Army Killing Civilians In Town Of Niono|work=Huffington Post|date=19 January 2013}}

On 23 January 2013, BBC reported claims by the International Federation of Human Rights that Malian Army soldiers had carried out summary executions against people suspected of being militant, and with bodies subsequently being hastily buried in makeshift graves and wells. Some victims were reportedly killed for not having identity documents or for their ethnicity. Reportedly, dozens of ethnic Tuaregs living in Bamako had their homes raided by government troops.{{cite news|title=Mali conflict: Troops accused of 'summary executions'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21166537|work=BBC News|date=24 January 2013|access-date=24 January 2013}}

Mali earned the first win in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations football championship on 20 January 2013 with a 1–0 win over Niger. After scoring the only goal, Seydou Keita displayed a T-shirt with a peace sign on it.{{cite news|title=Mali Gets First African Cup of Nations Win|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/21/sports/soccer/mali-gets-first-african-cup-of-nations-win.html?_r=0|access-date=21 January 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=21 January 2013}} A number of musicians from Mali came together to record the song Mali-ko (meaning peace) and release a video titled Voices United for Mali-'Mali-ko'{{YouTube|id=elwA7SHM8_U|title=Voices United for Mali-'Mali-ko' (Peace / La Paix)-Français sous-titres|link=no}} in early 2013 about the ongoing conflict in the country. The collaboration includes many well-known Malian musicians, including Oumou Sangaré, Vieux Farka Touré, and Amadou & Mariam.{{cite news|last=Kosner |first=Anthony Wing |title=For Music Fans, The Tragic War in Mali Has A Human Voice, Lots of Them |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykosner/2013/01/19/for-music-fans-the-tragic-war-in-mali-has-a-human-voice-lots-of-them/ |newspaper=Forbes |date=19 January 2013 |access-date=19 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122082352/http://www.forbes.com/sites/anthonykosner/2013/01/19/for-music-fans-the-tragic-war-in-mali-has-a-human-voice-lots-of-them/ |archive-date=22 January 2013 }}

A ceasefire was agreed upon on 20 February 2015 between the Malian government and the northern rebels. The terms of the truce state that both sides agreed to "tackle the causes of lasting tensions in the region" as the AFP news agency puts it.{{cite news|url=http://newsghana.com.gh/america-and-french-mediations-to-suffer-from-malian-crisis/|title=America and French Mediations to Suffer From Malian Crisis|publisher=News Ghana|date=2015-11-22|access-date=2015-11-22}}

The BBC mentioned that "Mali's leaders have rejected autonomy, but are willing to consider devolved local powers."{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-31544438|title=Mali signs UN ceasefire to end conflict with northern rebels|work=BBC News|date=2015-02-20|access-date=2015-02-20}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book|last=Comolli |first=Virginia |title=Boko Haram: Nigeria's Islamist Insurgency |date=2015 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=London }}

• [https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R42664.pdf Alexis Arieff, "Crisis in Mali,"] Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, 14 January 2013
• [https://www.ictj.org/publication/possibilities-and-challenges-transitional-justice-mali Possibilities and Challenges for Transitional Justice In Mali] ICTJ

{{Commons category|Mali War}}

• [http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/Orphans-of-the-Sahara/ Orphans of the Sahara], a three-part documentary series about the Tuareg people of the Sahara desert.

{{Portal bar|Mali}}

{{Mali topics}}

{{Post-Cold War African conflicts}}

Category:2010s in Mali

Category:2020s in Mali

Category:2010s conflicts

Category:2020s conflicts

Category:Rebellions in Mali

Category:History of Azawad

Category:Tuareg rebellions

Category:Arab Winter in Mali

Category:Civil wars in Mali

Category:Coup-based civil wars

Category:Ethnicity-based civil wars

Category:Religion-based civil wars

Category:Separatist rebellion-based civil wars

Category:Wars involving France

Category:Africa–China relations

Category:Chinese aid to Africa

Category:Wars involving the People's Republic of China

Category:Wars involving Turkey

Category:Wars involving Russia

Category:Wars involving Chad

Category:Wars involving Germany