In Mali, Dioura came under attack in the early hours of September 10. The camp, one of the largest in the country’s central region, housed several hundred troops—an estimated battalion-sized force. Fighters from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) managed to breach the military compound following intense clashes. They claimed to have seized the base before pulling out. Videos released by the group show its fighters moving inside Dioura after the assault. Multiple soldier bodies lie on the ground, installations are ablaze, and motorcycle stocks have been set on fire. These images confirm the jihadists’ presence in the camp but do not alone establish the full human toll.

Based on information gathered from two anonymous sources close to Mali’s Ministry of Defense, more than 80 military personnel are believed to have died in the attack. That figure could still rise, according to the same sources. Several soldiers are also missing, while others have been taken prisoner.

Army headquarters provides no casualty figures

The Malian army has officially acknowledged the Dioura assault. In a statement, the general staff said it launched “air and ground operations against the attackers” and claimed to have neutralized “several dozen terrorists.” Motorcycles and pickup trucks were also reportedly destroyed. The military command gave no details on the number of Malian troops killed, wounded, missing, or captured. Russian mercenaries from Africa Corps, deployed alongside FAMa forces in several parts of the country, are not stationed at Dioura.

A position previously targeted by JNIM

The Dioura camp has already suffered heavily from jihadist attacks. In May 2025, JNIM killed around forty soldiers during an offensive on the same location. This latest assault once again demonstrates the group’s ability to mass fighters against major military bases, temporarily overrun them, and then withdraw. Dioura adds to a string of operations recently claimed by JNIM. The group notably announced an ambush on a Malian army and Africa Corps convoy near Sikasso. In Sofara, another attack left at least eleven dead among Russian soldiers and Dozo hunters.