Mali’s military is celebrating a major victory after 234 former JNIM fighters surrendered to the Forces Armées Maliennes (FAMA) in the Hombori area. The fighters, who were part of the al-Qaeda-linked group, had been facing intense pressure from Malian troops and were forced to surrender with their weapons.
According to transcripts of their communications, the fighters felt betrayed by their leader, Al-Hussein, who they claim received payment and sent them to be massacred. “AL-HUSSEIN betrayed us. It’s because he received our payment that he sent us to be massacred. We are surrounded. Put your weapons in the pickup trucks. We will surrender,” they said.
The surrender comes as Mali’s military continues to make gains against JNIM, which has been responsible for a wave of attacks and kidnappings in the region. In recent months, JNIM has been laying siege to the capital city of Bamako, causing fuel shortages and desperation among residents.
The Malian government has been working to strengthen its security forces and push back against JNIM’s influence. The surrender of these fighters is seen as a significant blow to the group’s operations and a testament to the bravery of the Malian armed forces.