JNIM refutes reports of Sidna Ag Hita’s death in central Mali operation

Sources closely associated with the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) have vehemently denied recent reports suggesting the death of Sidna Ag Hita, a prominent figure within the organization and a close associate of Iyad Ag Gali. These denials surfaced following an announcement by the African Legion, which claimed Ag Hita was targeted during an aerial raid in Mali’s central Diabaly region.

These same sources asserted that Ag Hita remains alive and in good health. They further stressed that claims of his demise lack any credible substantiation, adding that the group itself has not released any statement indicating he was either killed or injured.

The African Legion had previously issued a statement on Wednesday, detailing an air and rocket strike that targeted a field encampment belonging to the armed group. This operation reportedly took place on the night of May 27.

The Legion also indicated that intelligence gathered prior to the operation had suggested Sidna Ag Hita’s presence within the targeted site at the time of the strike.